BKTC plans ban on non-Hindu entry in Kedarnath, Badrinath

The Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee has announced that non-Hindus will not be allowed to enter Kedarnath, Badrinath and other temples under its control, citing the need to preserve religious traditions. The decision was announced by committee chairman and senior BJP leader Hemant Dwivedi on Sunday.

Dwivedi said the proposed restriction would apply to all 45 temples managed by the committee, including the two major shrines that are part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. A formal resolution to enforce the ban is expected to be passed at the upcoming board meeting of the temple committee.

According to the committee, entry of non-Hindus into these temples was traditionally restricted, but those practices were allegedly diluted in previous years. Dwivedi said concrete steps would now be taken to ensure the sanctity of the shrines and adherence to age-old customs of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.

The committee chairman also praised the state government’s ongoing drive against illegally built shrines, calling it a move that strengthens religious identity, cultural heritage and law and order across the state.

The decision, however, has drawn criticism from the opposition. Congress leaders termed the move unnecessary and politically motivated, arguing that non-Hindus generally do not enter these temples and accusing the ruling party of diverting attention from key governance issues.