“Badri-Kedar Temple Committee bans non-Hindus from 47 temples ahead of Char Dham Yatra.”, Hindu Existence Organisation, March 12, 2026
“In a significant decision ahead of the Char Dham Yatra 2026, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has resolved to prohibit the entry of non-Hindus into the sanctum sanctorum of 47 temples under its administration, including the revered shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath. However, the committee has clarified that the restriction applies only to the innermost sacred areas of the temples, and non-Hindus will continue to be allowed along pilgrimage routes and in providing services to pilgrims.
The decision was taken during the BKTC’s budget meeting held at its camp office in Dehradun on Tuesday. The meeting, chaired by BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi, also approved the committee’s budget of ₹121.7 crore for the financial year 2026–27. Along with financial matters, the proposal to restrict entry of non-Sanatan followers into the sanctum areas of temples managed by the committee was unanimously passed.
The resolution comes weeks before the Char Dham Yatra, which is scheduled to begin on April 19 with the opening of the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri temples. Registration for the pilgrimage began on March 6, and the Uttarakhand government is currently strengthening infrastructure and logistical arrangements to manage the annual influx of millions of devotees…….”
Read full article at hinduexistence.org
