The proposed move, confirmed by BKTC president Hemant Dwivedi, seeks to codify long-standing practices by explicitly barring non-Hindus from entering the Badrinath–Kedarnath Dham area, citing the need to preserve religious sanctity.
BY PC Bureau
January 26, 2026: The sacred shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath, two of the most revered pilgrimage sites on the Char Dham Yatra circuit in Uttarakhand’s Himalayas, may soon impose restrictions barring non-Hindus from entering their premises.
The ancient temples—dedicated to Lord Vishnu at Badrinath and Lord Shiva at Kedarnath—are managed by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC). The committee has announced plans to formally prohibit the entry of non-Hindus across all temples and religious sites under its control, including the core Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines as well as the wider Badrinath–Kedarnath Dham area.
Confirming the move, BKTC president Hemant Dwivedi said the restriction would apply to every temple governed by the committee. A formal proposal to implement the policy is expected to be placed before the BKTC board and passed during its upcoming meeting.
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Background on the Char Dham Circuit
The Char Dham, also known as the Chota Char Dham, pilgrimage in Uttarakhand comprises four key Himalayan shrines:
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Yamunotri, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna
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Gangotri, dedicated to Goddess Ganga
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Kedarnath, dedicated to Lord Shiva
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Badrinath, dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Badrinarayan)
These shrines attract millions of devotees every year, particularly during the summer pilgrimage season, when the high-altitude temples reopen after remaining closed through the winter months.
Temple Reopening Schedule
The temples follow an annual cycle of closure during the harsh Himalayan winter and reopening in spring:
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Badrinath Temple is scheduled to reopen on April 23, 2026, after a six-month winter closure.
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Kedarnath Temple’s reopening date will be officially announced on Maha Shivratri.
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Gangotri and Yamunotri temples are set to open on April 19, 2026, coinciding with Akshaya Tritiya.
🚨 The Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has announced a prohibition on the entry of non-Hindus into 45 temples under its jurisdiction, including the Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines.
BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi stated that a formal resolution will be passed to… pic.twitter.com/dG0cfyNLqE
— Newsmatter (@NewsmatterIndia) January 26, 2026
The proposed restriction appears specific to BKTC-managed temples, primarily Badrinath and Kedarnath, though similar sentiments and localized restrictions have been observed at other religious sites in Uttarakhand, including certain areas of Haridwar. While non-Hindus have traditionally not entered the inner sanctums of these temples in large numbers, the new proposal seeks to explicitly codify and enforce the prohibition.
The decision has triggered discussions around preserving the sanctity of these sacred sites amid rising pilgrim footfall and expanding tourism. Once formally approved by the committee, the restriction will become binding for all visitors to the affected temples.
This development aligns with broader efforts to regulate access and uphold religious traditions at some of India’s most prominent Himalayan pilgrimage centres. Devotees planning their Char Dham Yatra are advised to stay updated through official announcements from the BKTC and Uttarakhand tourism authorities for final confirmations and implementation details.
