Badri-Kedar Temple Committee Bans Non-Hindus from 47 Temples
Badri-Kedar Temple Committee passed a resolution restricting entry to only Hindus at 47 temples, including Badrinath and Kedarnath, ahead of the Char Dham Yatra starting April 19.
Decision finalised on Tuesday during the BKTC budget meeting, chaired by Chairman Hemant Dwivedi. Applies to temple complexes and sanctum sanctorum across committee jurisdiction.
Dwivedi said only Sanatan Dharma followers with faith in Baba Kedarnath and Badri Vishal are permitted. Stressed the committee’s right to preserve religious traditions at sacred sites.
The move aligns with Ganga Sabha’s Har Ki Pauri restrictions. Similar calls are growing across the Uttarakhand pilgrimage sites. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami supports the temple committees’ consensus.
Online registration began on March 6. Gangotri and Yamunotri open April 19, followed by Kedarnath April 22 and Badrinath April 23. Expected millions of pilgrims this season.
Analysts predict a domino effect on other Uttarakhand temples. Comes after mobile phone bans at temples. Enforcement is to be watched during the peak yatra season.
