Badrinath-Kedarnath Entry Ban Non-Hindus: The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has taken an important decision, approving a proposal to ban the entry of non-Hindus into 47 temples under its jurisdiction in Uttarakhand. These temples include the famous Badrinath and Kedarnath Dhams.
This decision was taken during a budget meeting held at the temple committee’s office in Dehradun. The meeting was chaired by BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi, where the proposal was agreed upon.
Consideration of ban on entry of non-Hindus at Char Dham pilgrimage sites
The committee president informed that a proposal to ban the entry of non-Hindus into pilgrimage sites associated with Char Dham has come forward. He stated that the aim of this step is to ensure that only devotees who believe in Sanatan Dharma visit Char Dham and other temples.
He also clarified that the proposed ban could apply to the temple’s sanctum sanctorum and main complex. According to Dwivedi, the main objective of this decision is to maintain the tradition and sanctity of Uttarakhand’s major temples.
Budget of Rs 121 crore approved for Char Dham Yatra
In the BKTC meeting, the budget for the next financial year was approved, keeping in mind the preparations for the upcoming Char Dham Yatra. A total proposed budget of Rs 121 crore for the year 2026-27 has been sanctioned. Out of this, Rs 57.5 crore has been allocated for Badrinath Dham and Rs 63.6 crore for Kedarnath Dham.
Taking another important decision in the meeting, the board also approved the formation of a ‘Teerth Purohit Welfare Fund’. The objective of this fund is to strengthen the social and economic security of priests associated with the pilgrimage.
According to the committee chairman, through this fund, pilgrimage priests will be provided financial assistance and other facilities under various welfare schemes.
Know when the gates of Kedarnath and Badrinath will open
For this year’s pilgrimage season, the gates of Kedarnath temple will open on April 22, 2026, at 8 AM. Meanwhile, the gates of Badrinath Dham will open for devotees on April 23, 2026, at 6:15 AM.
Additionally, the gates of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams will open on April 19, on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. With this, the official commencement of Char Dham Yatra 2026 will also take place.
According to committee officials, preparations for the yatra are being expedited in view of the increasing number of devotees visiting the Himalayan pilgrimage sites every year, to provide better facilities to pilgrims.
