In a major decision, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has announced that the entry of non-Hindus will be prohibited in Badrinath, Kedarnath Dham and all temples functioning under the committee’s control across Uttarakhand. The proposal will be formally placed and passed in the upcoming BKTC board meeting.
BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi said that the ban will apply to all temples under the committee, stressing that the protection of Uttarakhand’s religious and cultural traditions is a top priority. He stated that from Kedar Khand to Manas Khand, the traditional temple chain has historically restricted the entry of non-Hindus, but these customs were violated during the tenure of previous non-BJP governments. He added that strict steps are now being taken to ensure proper adherence to established traditions.
Dwivedi also welcomed the state government’s ongoing action against illegal shrines, saying that the removal drive, carried out under the directions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has strengthened Uttarakhand’s religious identity, cultural heritage and law and order. He described the move as significant for maintaining the sanctity of Devbhoomi.
Referring to recent government initiatives, the BKTC chairman said that programmes such as ‘Jan-Jan Ki Sarkar Jan-Jan Ke Dwar’, the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, the strict anti-cheating law, and the recommendation for a CBI probe in the Ankita Bhandari case have increased public trust in the state government. However, the proposed restriction on temple entry is also likely to draw attention to the balance between traditional practices and constitutional values, an issue that has sparked debate in similar cases in the past.
Dwivedi expressed confidence that coordinated efforts between the state government and the temple committee would further strengthen the protection of religious traditions and the sanctity of Uttarakhand’s temples. He said the BKTC is preparing to take effective steps in this direction in the coming days.
