Dehradun: A major decision has been taken in Uttarakhand ahead of the upcoming Char Dham Yatra 2026. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has decided to ban the entry of non-Hindus in 47 temples under its administration, including Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham. The decision was taken in the committee’s budget meeting held in Dehradun.
During the meeting, a budget of ₹121.7 crore for the year 2026–27 was also approved. The proposal was presented to maintain the sanctity of the temples and was unanimously approved in the meeting chaired by committee chairman Hemant Dwivedi.
Major decision before Char Dham Yatra
The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand will begin on April 19. On this day, the gates of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines will open. The registration process for devotees started on March 6, and preparations for the pilgrimage are being accelerated by the administration.
Meanwhile, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has decided that entry of non-Hindus will be prohibited in the sanctum sanctorum and temple premises of Badrinath and Kedarnath. This restriction will also apply to other temples under the committee.
Demand had been raised for a long time
Committee chairman Hemant Dwivedi said that for a long time there had been demands in the state to maintain the sanctity of religious places. He said that people who have faith in Sanatan Dharma are welcome in the temples, but those who do not believe in Sanatan Dharma will not be allowed to enter the temple premises.
He also said that the decision has been taken to protect the ancient traditions and religious faith associated with the temples.
Restriction limited to temple premises
The committee clarified that the restriction will apply only to the sanctum sanctorum and the temple premises. People associated with services such as palanquin (doli), kandi, and horse-mule services—including people from other religions—will be allowed to come up to areas outside the temple premises. Their livelihood will not be affected.
Restriction to apply in 47 temples
Major temples under the committee include Badrinath, Kedarnath, Triyuginarayan, Narsingh Temple, Omkareshwar Temple, Kalimath Temple, Madhmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, Kalpeshwar, Yogdhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri, Vriddha Badri, and Mata Murti Temple, among others, totaling 47 temples.
Issue had been raised earlier as well
Earlier, the Ganga Sabha in Haridwar had demanded a ban on the entry of non-Hindus at Har Ki Pauri and boards regarding this were also installed there. The issue had sparked debate at the national level.
Mixed reactions
Some political and religious organizations raised questions over the decision, while some religious leaders supported it, calling it a matter related to temple traditions and religious management.
