Non-Sanatanis may not enter Badrinath, Kedarnath temples: Badri-Kedar Temple Committee

The Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) passed a proposal on Monday (March 11, 2026) to restrict the entry of “non-Sanatanis” at the Badrinath and Kedarnath temples in Uttarakhand.

The two shrines, part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit and located at an altitude of over 3,000 metres, are among the most visited pilgrimage sites in the State, whose economy is significantly dependent on religious tourism.

Speaking to The Hindu, BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi said the decision was taken at a meeting of the temple board on March 10.

“The committee has decided to restrict the entry of non-Sanatanis into the Badrinath and Kedarnath temples,” he said.

When asked to explain what does he mean by ‘Sanatani’, Mr. Dwivedi said, “Anyone who has faith in Sanatan Dharma is a Sanatani.”

When inquired further if a Muslim has a faith in ‘sanatan dharma’ will be allowed to visit the BKTC runs temples, the committee chairman questioned if a Hindu will be allowed to visit ‘Mecca Medina’?

“Anyone who applies Vermillion on the forehead....chants mantras, recite chalisas and have faith in Shree Badri and Kedar is a Sanatani,” he said.

A similar decision to bar “non-Hindus” from visiting the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples — also part of the Char Dham circuit — had been taken by priests at the two shrines in January this year.

Mr. Dwivedi also said the committee had approved a Budget of ₹121.07 crore for the 2026-27 pilgrimage year.

According to Budget provisions, ₹57.47 crore has been allocated for the Badrinath temple and ₹63.60 crore for the Kedarnath temple. The proposed expenditure stands at ₹99.45 crore against the estimated income, he said.

The Budget has been prepared for the upcoming pilgrimage season. The Kedarnath temple is scheduled to open on April 22, followed by the opening of the Badrinath temple on April 23. The Gangotri and Yamunotri temples will open on April 19 for Akshaya Tritiya.

The meeting also discussed amendments to certain provisions of the BKTC Act, which relate to appointments and traditions of the Rawal (chief priest), improving worship and darshan arrangements, employee promotions, removal of pay anomalies for temporary staff, and an increase in honorarium.