Non-Hindus to be banned from entering Badrinath-Kedarnath temples, resolution passed
PTC News Desk: Non-Hindus will no longer be permitted to enter Gangotri Dham in Uttarakhand following a unanimous resolution passed by the Shri Gangotri Temple Committee on Sunday. The restriction will also apply to Mukhba — the winter residence of Maa Ganga — and is expected to extend to other major shrines, including Badrinath and Kedarnath.
Shri Gangotri Temple Committee Chairman Suresh Semwal confirmed that the ban on non-Hindu entry into Gangotri Dham and Mukhba will be strictly implemented. Meanwhile, Hemant Dwivedi, BJP leader and Chairman of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), announced that a proposal to bar non-Hindus from entering Badrinath, Kedarnath, and all temples under the BKTC will be presented at the committee’s upcoming board meeting.
Dwivedi stressed that protecting Uttarakhand’s religious traditions and cultural heritage remains a top priority. He noted that historically, access to temples in the Kedarnath and Mana regions was limited to Hindus, but these customs were often ignored during previous non-BJP administrations. He added that steps will now be taken to ensure strict adherence to these long-standing practices.
He also praised Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s directive to remove illegal religious structures across the state, calling it a major step toward strengthening Uttarakhand’s religious identity, cultural legacy, and law and order. Dwivedi expressed confidence that close coordination between the state government and temple authorities will help preserve the sanctity of the region’s pilgrimage sites.
Responding to the proposal, Chief Minister Dhami said the administration would act in accordance with the recommendations made by committees and institutions responsible for managing Uttarakhand’s religious destinations.
Meanwhile, the Badrinath temple in Chamoli district is scheduled to reopen for devotees on April 23 after its six-month winter closure. The reopening date and auspicious time were finalised following traditional rituals held at the Tehri Royal Palace in Narendra Nagar on Basant Panchami. The Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines in Uttarkashi will reopen on April 19 on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, while the opening date for Kedarnath Dham in Rudraprayag will be announced on Maha Shivratri.
- With inputs from agencies
