Dehradun : In a move that could redefine the accessibility of Uttarakhand’s most sacred shrines, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has announced plans to prohibit the entry of non-Hindus. This decision, aimed at preserving the spiritual sanctity and traditional customs of the “Devbhoomi” (Land of the Gods), is expected to be formalized during the committee’s upcoming board meeting.
The proposal follows growing concerns from local priests, businessmen, and residents regarding the conduct of certain individuals within the shrine areas. Reports of the consumption of meat and alcohol, strictly forbidden in these holy precincts and allegations of activities that “malign the image” of the temples have fueled the demand for stricter regulations.
BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi confirmed the development, stating that the restriction will apply to Badrinath, Kedarnath, and all other temples falling under the committee’s jurisdiction. “Preserving the religious and cultural traditions of Uttarakhand is our paramount responsibility,” Dwivedi said. He noted that while historical traditions often restricted entry to Hindus, these norms were sometimes overlooked in the past.
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The move coincides with a similar decision by the Shri Gangotri Temple Committee, which recently voted unanimously to bar non-Hindus from entering the Gangotri Dham and Mukhba, the winter abode of Goddess Ganga. This collective shift signals a tightening of entry protocols across the “Chota Char Dham” circuit ahead of the 2026 pilgrimage season.
While the proposal has received strong backing from various Hindu seers and local stakeholders, it has also sparked a political row. Critics and opposition leaders have questioned the feasibility of such a ban, arguing that the focus should remain on law enforcement and maintaining order rather than religious exclusion.
The portals of the Badrinath temple are scheduled to reopen on April 23, 2026, while the opening dates for Kedarnath will be announced on Maha Shivratri. As the state gears up for the annual Yatra, the proposed policy remains a focal point of debate between tradition and inclusivity in India’s spiritual heartland.
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