BKTC Proposes Entry Ban on Non-Hindus at Badrinath and Kedarnath
The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has proposed a significant change to its entry rules, aiming to restrict access exclusively to Hindus at all 45 temples under its jurisdiction. This includes the iconic Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines, which are cornerstones of the Himalayan Chota Char Dham circuit.
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1. Key Details of the Proposal
The decision was announced by BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi on January 25, 2026. A formal resolution is expected to be passed in the committee’s upcoming board meeting.
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Reasoning: Dwivedi stated that these sites are “sacred centers of Sanatan Dharma” and not “tourist destinations.” He argued that entry should be governed by religious tradition rather than civic rights.
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Constitutional Basis: The committee cited Article 26 of the Indian Constitution, which grants religious denominations the right to manage their own religious affairs.
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Scope: The ban would apply to all major and minor temples, kunds (sacred water bodies), and samadhis managed by the BKTC.
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Wider Context: Simultaneously, the Shri Gangotri Temple Committee has already passed a unanimous decision to ban non-Hindus from Gangotri Dham and its winter abode, Mukhba.
2. Chota Char Dham 2026 Opening Dates
The announcement comes as the state prepares for the 2026 pilgrimage season.
| Shrine | Reopening Date | Timing / Announcement |
| Badrinath Dham | April 23, 2026 | 6:15 AM (Announced on Basant Panchami) |
| Kedarnath Dham | Late April (TBA) | Exact date to be announced on Maha Shivratri (Feb 15) |
| Gangotri Dham | April 19, 2026 | Akshaya Tritiya |
| Yamunotri Dham | April 19, 2026 | Akshaya Tritiya |
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3. Reactions & Legal Standing
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State Government: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami indicated that the government would “consider the view of all stakeholders” and act in line with the suggestions of the bodies managing the sites.
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Opposition: Congress leaders have criticized the move, calling it a “diversionary tactic” and noting that non-Hindus have traditionally been involved in the infrastructure and management of the Yatra without causing friction.
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Religious Heads: Several seers have supported the move, especially following recent controversies at Haridwar’s Har Ki Pauri, where signs reading “Non-Hindu Prohibited Area” were also recently reinforced.
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