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Empty Liquor Bottles in Rishikesh Spark Debate: ‘Tourists to Blame for Ignorance’

March 24, 2025, 3:57 pm

One such recent photo of many vacant bottles of liquor at Rishikesh has reignited the discussion regarding the effects of tourism within the town. Rishikesh, resting along the riverbank of revered River Ganga in Uttarakhand, serves as an important spiritual center of Hindu pilgrims and invites pilgrims from the entire globe to its temples and ashrams.

The photo of such large numbers of liquor bottles in this sacred town has outraged some netizens, many of whom attribute the decline in spirituality of Rishikesh to the influence of tourism. They opine that the town is losing its soul as it becomes more and more connected with activities such as drinking and smoking, as opposed to spirituality. The picture has generated polarized views online, with some calling for tourism to be lessened.

Earlier this month, The Himadri Foundation posted a picture on Instagram featuring dozens of bottles of empty alcohol and trash bags along the River Ganga. In the background, a temple can be seen. The caption labeled Rishikesh as “The Growing Graveyard of Spirituality,” lamenting the town’s deterioration because of tourism and attendant problems.

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A post shared by The Himadri Foundation (@thehimadrifoundation)

The foundation penned, “Rishikesh, which was once a haven of spirituality and innocence, is gradually losing its soul. The peaceful ghats where once echoed the chants and meditative silence are now strewn with beer and whisky cans.” They further asked, “Smoking cigarettes along the sacred river has become a norm. Is this what Maa Ganga represents? Is this what Rishikesh was supposed to turn into?”

The post struck a chord with many who blamed tourism for deteriorating Rishikesh and urged tourists to stay away from the town.

This photograph of #Rishikesh with empty liquor bottles has gone viral on social media. Several influencers with large following are saying that don’t come to #Uttarakhand and #Himachal this summer and that Maa Ganga does not need this empty liquor bottles and all sorts of trash.… pic.twitter.com/GpnjDunrly

— Anoop Nautiyal (@Anoopnautiyal1) March 23, 2025

Others, however, did not see it that way and argued that blaming tourism for the discarded bottles was not seeing the whole picture. They noted that tourism brings a big chunk of the state’s economy, and most locals rely on it to sustain their livelihoods. X user Saurabh Sachar posted, “If all visitors stopped visiting Uttarakhand and Himachal during the summer that’d be economic disaster for plenty of locals whose income is massively dependent on tourism.”

Some countered that the problem was deeper and that X user Manu was one of those who said, “This is actual ignorance to hold tourists responsible for internal mishaps. Liquor is also a part of locals’ lives. Everyone knows it’s easy to win votes with just one bottle of liquor in UKD. Drinking isn’t a sin in India.”

Others provided possible answers, proposing stricter laws against littering in order to maintain the spiritual atmosphere of the town. Abhishek commented, “The state cannot remain without tourists. The only alternative is to keep the places spick and span and impose bans against littering on the ground. Uttarakhand requires tourist police – for assisting and keeping an eye on tourists.

Rishikesh Pays Tribute To Ratan Tata With Ganga Aarti | Watch

October 10, 2024, 9:10 pm

A Ganga Aarti was performed at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, as a tribute to the late industrialist Ratan Tata, as an ode to his great contributions to the nation.

A subdued Ganga Aarti, lighting the waters of the Ganges, was performed amidst a sea of devotees and admirers gathered there to remember Tata’s contributions on the spectrum of India. His dedication to causes for social good, coupled with his entrepreneurial aptitude and innovative business sense, only brought him respect and admiration from people across India.

Watch the video here:

#WATCH | Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: Tribute paid to veteran industrialist Ratan Tata at Parmarth Niketan, by performing Ganga Aarti for the departed soul. pic.twitter.com/EseZPviL35

— ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2024

There have recently been reports that Tata, former chairman of Tata Sons, has passed away. His was a legacy characterized by philanthropic work and a commitment to corporate responsibility. To so many, he was remembered well for the efforts done for many to improve the lives of so many through various initiatives.

During Aarti, people prayed for Tata’s soul, as was the nation’s grief. The place is sacred and at the same time peacefully serene and therefore not an unfavorable setting for such a pay reverence.

They thanked Tata for his vision and leadership, which had turned Tata Group from a domestic name into an internationally known conglomerate by the end of the aarti. The occasion was a poignant reminder that the influence of Tata still remains strong in the business world and society, making his memory stay in the hearts of many for a long time.

Watch: Foreigners Bathe In Bikinis At Rishikesh’s Ganga Ghat, Triggers Mixed Reactions

July 8, 2024, 5:54 pm

From the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, a video has become viral on the internet, in which foreigners wearing bikinis were bathing and enjoying at the sacred Ganga Ghat in Rishikesh.

As a result, it has triggered mixed reaction among users, with many condemning the tarnishing of city’s image as a hub of yoga and spirituality.

The handle ‘Himalayan Hindu’ condemned the transformation of sacred Ganga River into beach like Goa.

Taking to X, the handle wrote ‘Thank you @pushkardhami for turning Pavitra Ganga (holy river Ganga) into Goa Beach. Such things are now happening in Rishikesh & soon it will become Mini Bangkok.’

Check The Video

Thank you @pushkardhami for turning Pavitra Ganga into Goa Beach. Such things are now happening in #Rishikesh & soon it will become Mini Bangkok. https://t.co/5nbB86FfZK pic.twitter.com/VnOtRkWPXM

— Himalayan Hindu (@himalayanhindu) April 26, 2024

Later, many netizens condemned this act with one saying, ‘What kind of obscenity have you allowed in Uttarakhand in the name of tourism? Every ten steps there’s a liquor shop, illegal businesses, marijuana, etc.’

Another sadly commented, ‘This is no longer a city of yoga and spirituality.’ Third User said, ‘What’s wrong with Rishikesh?.’

But in contrast, many had an opposite opinion, with many saying, that criticism is unnecessary.

With one user saying ‘Just b’coz they are non-Indians, doesn’t really mean you need to hate them, look at them, they are wearing malas & have tattoos of Hinduism, they are happy to get a chance of taking a dip into the ganges, in the end they are praying, u are judging their wear but not their intention.’

While another user also said similar thing saying, ‘There’s nothing wrong here. If you have a problem with clothing, then there’s an issue with your upbringing. Don’t behave like an extremist who takes their spouse to the beach in a burqa or full clothing.’

These types of incidents usually underscore debate between modern world and traditional values and how to strike balance between them among people from time-to-time.

Viral Video: Clash Between Tourists And Rafting Guides Shakes Rishikesh

June 10, 2024, 12:03 pm

Rishikesh, renowned for its spiritual allure and adventurous escapades, recently found itself embroiled in controversy following a disconcerting incident that has cast a shadow over safety measures in this popular destination. A viral video capturing a clash between tourists and rafting guides along the serene banks of the Ganges has brought to the forefront potential risks associated with adventure activities in the area.

Kalesh b/w Tourists who had come for rafting and boatmen clashed. As a result, many people got injured. This video of the fight that took place on the banks of the Ganges has gone viral, Rishikesh UK
pic.twitter.com/jJNxXNMaxd

— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) June 8, 2024

While the exact date of the incident remains unconfirmed, its repercussions have reverberated throughout the community, drawing attention from both residents and authorities alike. Rishikesh, a sacred sanctuary revered by visitors worldwide for its spiritual sanctity and adrenaline-pumping exploits, often beckons travelers to delve into its ancient temples, behold the enchanting Ganga aarti ceremony, and partake in thrilling adventures like white-water rafting.

However, the tranquility of these exhilarating pursuits was shattered by the unsettling altercation portrayed in the viral footage. The incident has catalyzed a meticulous scrutiny of safety protocols and regulatory frameworks governing adventure tourism in Rishikesh, amplifying concerns regarding the welfare of both tourists and local guides.

Across various social media platforms, the viral video has elicited a cacophony of reactions, with users vocalizing their apprehensions and advocating for enhanced safety standards in adventure tourism. Authorities are under mounting pressure to address the issue promptly and implement requisite measures to safeguard the well-being and security of visitors to Rishikesh.

As investigations into the incident unfurl, stakeholders within the tourism industry and local governing bodies are urged to foster collaboration in instituting robust safety protocols aimed at forestalling the recurrence of such distressing episodes in the future.

President Murmu Visits Parmarth Niketan for Hanuman Jayanti Prayers

April 24, 2024, 12:05 am

President Droupadi Murmu visited ‘Parmarth Niketan,’ a renowned ashram in Rishikesh, to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman on the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti on Tuesday.

The President visited ‘Parmarth Niketan,’ among the largest ashrams, nestled amidst the verdant Himalayas, overlooking the banks of the Ganges in the yoga capital of the world. The ashram graciously hosted the President on Tuesday for a serene evening alongside Pujya Swamiji and Pujya Sadhviji to commemorate Hanuman Jayanti.

The President received a traditional welcome from Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan, and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, International Director of Parmarth Niketan, amidst the tranquil atmosphere of Vedic chants, fragrant flower petals, and echoing conch shells. The event also saw the presence of Lieutenant General (Retd) Gurmit Singh, the Governor of Uttarakhand.

The visit began with President Murmu presenting a sacred flower garland to Goddess Lakshmiji, signifying reverence and devotion to the divine feminine. Subsequent to this, engaging discussions took place with Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji in the serene garden of Pujya Swamiji, where they exchanged ideas on diverse spiritual and service-oriented endeavors.

President Murmu was briefed on numerous impactful charitable and humanitarian service initiatives led by Parmarth Niketan in collaboration with ‘The Divine Shakti Foundation.’ Additionally, she had the chance to meet with a select group of participants from various initiatives to learn more about their experiences.

The ‘Divyangta Mukt Bharat’ campaign supports young women, girls, and children, aiming to empower differently-abled individuals to lead lives of dignity. Initiatives such as the Parmarth Vijay Public School, catering to blind children in Uttarkashi, and the Parmarth Naari Shakti Kendra, which provides free skill development programs for women and girls, are instrumental in this endeavor.

The President was briefed on Parmarth’s efforts in water, sanitation, hygiene, and environmental conservation through the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance. This includes initiatives like the World Toilet College, aimed at improving sanitation standards and honoring sanitation workers, thereby transforming their lives. These endeavors embody the spirit of inclusive empowerment. The evening’s highlight was the renowned Ganga Aarti along the sacred banks of Maa Ganga, where President Murmu devoutly participated.

The evening began with prayers to Lord Hanuman at the Hanuman Ghat in Parmarth Niketan, followed by a display of patriotic spirit through the rendition of the National Anthem. The sacred ceremony also encompassed Ganga Puja and the Purnahuti of the Sacred Yagya for World Peace.

Immersed in the devotional ambiance, President Murmu joined the congregation for Harinam Sankirtan and Bhajan, and took part in the renowned Ganga Aarti with HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, alongside the Parmarth Gurukul Rishikumars and pilgrims from around India and the world. In a gesture of appreciation and remembrance, President Murmu received a sacred Rudraksha sapling, a holy Rudraksha mala, and a beautiful deity of Hanumanji, honoring Hanuman Jayanti and marking the culmination of a blissful evening filled with warmth and spiritual inspiration.

President Droupdi Murmu’s gracious and dedicated presence deeply resonated with all those in attendance, leaving a lasting impression. Nestled amidst the majestic snow-clad Himalayas and along the sacred banks of the Ganges River in Rishikesh, Parmarth Niketan stands as one of India’s largest ashrams and spiritual sanctuaries.

Founded in 1942 and committed to the utmost welfare of all beings, Parmarth Niketan is celebrated for its spiritual guidance, yoga and meditation courses, and humanitarian endeavors dedicated to nurturing global peace and harmony.

Rishikesh-Badrinath NH-58 damaged due to heavy rainfall and landslide

August 22, 2023, 12:21 pm

A part of the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway-58 between Purusadi in Chamoli district was damaged on Tuesday as a result of the continuous rain that has been falling in some areas of Uttarakhand.
The local government in Purusadi had to stop traffic due to damage to a 250-meter section of the highway, according to the district administration.

Earlier on Sunday, a pile of debris in the Chamoli district obstructed the Badrinath National Highway near Tayya Pul Govindghat.

The day before, a landslip from the mountain in the Totaghati area of Tehri Garhwal district caused traffic on the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway-58 to be interrupted.
The landslip that hit the Totaghati area caused the Badrinath route to be closed, Tehri District Magistrate Mayur Dixit told ANI over the phone.

On Friday, heavy rains also caused disruptions to daily life in the Dehradun neighborhood of Kaluwala. Due to the rainwater entering the homes, there is severe waterlogging.
Earlier, the state’s chief minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, surveyed flood-affected districts from the air and examined the Ganga’s rising water level in Rishikesh.

Uttarakhand : Water level of Ganga River have dropped in Rishikesh

August 16, 2023, 11:41 am

According to officials, the Ganges water level in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, has dropped over the past 24 hours. The water level of the Ganga at the Parmarth Niketan Ghat has decreased over the past twenty-four hours, according to officials.

The Lord Shiva statue near the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in the holy town was partially submerged in the river on Tuesday. Today the water level has decreased and reached below the lower portion of the stone sculpture, they said.
Rishikesh was witnessing a flood-like situation and water level of the river rose above the danger level following heavy rainfall on Monday.

Officials claim that the Triveni Ghat was also flooded. According to officials, Rishikesh police prevented tourists from entering Ganga Ghat and saved 20 people who were trapped in submerged homes in Ambagh, a neighborhood in Rishikesh. Pushkar Singh Dhami, the chief minister of Uttarakhand, conducted an aerial survey of the state’s flood-affected areas on Monday. He also examined the Ganga river’s rising water level in Rishikesh.

Rainfall Alert in Uttarakhand, rescue team saved 20 people

August 14, 2023, 3:01 pm

In response to severe flooding in the area, members of the State Disaster Response Force acted quickly to rescue 20 persons who had become trapped in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand’s Ambagh neighborhood.

The SDRF team used rafts to rescue 20 people and transport them to a safe location after receiving information that people were stranded in their houses that were submerged owing to waterlogging in the Seema Dental region, the authorities said in a statement on Monday.

In the meantime, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met with authorities at a high level on Monday to assess the state’s various relief and rescue activities.

In six districts of the state, the (IMD) on Sunday issued a red alert and forecast severe rain and lightning for the ensuing twenty-four hours.
IMD predicts that today will see isolated areas of very heavy to extremely heavy rain, thunderstorms with lightning, and very intense to extremely severe spells in Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri, Nainital, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar.

Why rafting activities shut in Rishikesh, Find out the reason

June 26, 2023, 7:15 pm

Rafting operations in Haridwar have been halted since the Ganga river is less than two meters over the alert level, according to officials. This development came 2 days after the entrance of the southwest monsoons and severe rains.

All flood control checkpoints, barrages, and emergency management teams are on high alert, and district officials are monitoring the situation around the clock. As a precautionary measure, the Ganga stretch in Pauri, Tehri, and Dehradun districts near Rishikesh has been closed to operating or rafting until further orders.

River rafting and related activity in and around Ganga has been prohibited till further orders, according to Narendranagar sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Devendra Negi, because it is unsafe to continue rafting due to constant rainfall in the Garhwal division.

According to Bhimgoda Barrage River water level data, Ganga was flowing at 291.80 meters on Monday morning, just 1.20 meters below the danger threshold (293 meters). The water flow was reported at 292.20m on Sunday midday, prompting an alert in surrounding Ganga communities.

Haridwar mayor Anita Sharma urged authorities on Monday to clean the city’s minor and major clogged nullah drains, following reports of waterlogging in various parts of the city.

Anita Sharma said in a statement “Municipal Corporation officials have been directed to carry out the cleaning of small and medium drains inside the market, roadside and colonies immediately from Monday onwards.

Sharma further added “The city reeled under waterlogging for the past two days rain, and it is due to the laxity of civic officials. Previous years too, nullah gang squads had effectively carried out cleaning of drains ahead of monsoon season but this time some officials and BJP councillors deliberately hindered the process.”

Artists perform Ganga aarti during the 35th International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh

March 18, 2023, 7:04 pm

3 accused in Ankita Bhandari murder case to undergo narco, polygraph tests on 5 January

January 3, 2023, 5:47 pm

In the Ankita Bhandari murder case, the First Class Judicial Magistrate Court Kotdwar fixed the narco and polygraph test dates of the three accused for 5 January.

After hearing the arguments of both parties The Court of Judicial Magistrate First Class, Kotdwar fixed the date of narco and polygraph tests.

Earlier on 24 September Ankita’s body was found in the Chilla canal in Rishikesh at least six days before the officials found her body.

Meanwhile, at a resort run by Pulkit Arya who has expelled BJP’s son, Anikta used to work as a receptionist.

Moreover, Arya was arrested for pushing Ankita into the canal following an altercation, and also arrested Ankit Gupta and Saurabh Bhaskar.

However, Uttarakhand Police on 4 December said that the investigation into the Ankita Bhandari murder case is almost complete. The last thing which was left was narco tests of the accused. After which Uttarakhand Police sought permission from the Kotdwar court.

Furthermore, in the Nainital High Court in November Ankita’s mother, Sona Devi and father Virender Singh Bhandari filed a petition. The petition was filed to seek inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the case.

Ankita Murder Case: Outraged crowd vandalized BJP MLA’s car

September 24, 2022, 5:04 pm

After the dead body of a 19-year-old missing teen girl was found in a canal in Rishikesh, there has been outrage among the locals.
It intensified on Saturday and the locals vandalized the car of BJP MLA Renu Bisht. Later, police had to escort the MLA safely.

The body was identified by the teen’s relative, who was reported missing for the past 6 days.
Three people were arrested by Uttrakhand Police on Friday including Pulkit Arya the son of Vinod Arya, a former BJP minister in the state. The girl was employed as the receptionist in a resort in the city, which is allegedly owned by the MLA.

Earlier in the day, the resort owned by the accused was also set on fire by the locals. Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed pain over the death of the woman and announced the setting up of an SIT, led by DIG police P Renuka Devi, to conduct a speedy probe into the killing.

As an effect of the protests, BJP expelled the father, BJP leader Vinod Arya and brother of the accused from the party earlier on Saturday.
“During the investigation, police learnt the accused and the woman had gone to Rishikesh on Sunday. While on their way back, Pulkit and the woman entered into an argument following which the accused threw her into a canal in Chilla,” the SSP said.

Rishikesh: 3 killed, 3 injured after car falls into gorge

September 9, 2022, 11:23 am

In a tragic accident, as many as three people were killed and three others were injured after the car fell into a deep gorge.

Meanwhile, The accident happened near Brahmapuri on the Rishikesh-Badrinath road on Friday.

Moreover, the injured have been sent to the government hospital in Rishikesh.

“All the people in the car were going for Badrinath Dham. The car suddenly fell into a deep gorge near Brahmapuri, Shri Ram Tapasthali Ashram. Three injured have been rescued and sent to the Government Hospital Rishikesh. While three passengers in the car died on the spot in the accident,” inspector in-charge of the police station Muni Ki Reti, Ritesh Shah said.

However, further details are awaited.