Ahead of the 2026 pilgrimage season opening on April, the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has approved a proposal to restrict entry to the sacred Badrinath and Kedarnath temples for non-Hindus, officials said on Tuesday.
The decision was taken during the committee’s budget meeting in Dehradun, chaired by BKTC head Hemant Dwivedi. As per media reports, Dwivedi said the proposal aims to formalise an existing practice that restricts temple entry to followers of Sanatana Dharma.
Alongside the proposal, the committee cleared an estimated budget of over Rs 121 crore for the upcoming pilgrimage season.
“The proposal to restrict the entry of non-Sanatanis into Kedarnath and Badrinath temples was approved during the BKTC budget meeting on Tuesday. The decision is not against anyone. Strict measures are required to maintain the sanctity of Devbhoomi and its sacred shrines,” said Dwivedi, according to HT.
Under Article 25 of the Constitution, the term “Hindus” includes followers of Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism. “We will verify the registration details of devotees, which include Aadhaar card information,” Dwivedi said.
He noted that non-Hindus have traditionally been restricted at these temples, and the proposal seeks to place the practice within a formal framework. Before approving the proposal, the committee consulted priests and religious bodies to ensure the decision reflected traditional practices.
As per HT, Raj Kumar Tiwari, president of Kedar Sabha representing Kedarnath priests, welcomed the move. “Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains are considered Sanatanis, so they will be allowed entry into the temple, while others will not be permitted inside the shrine area,” he said.
Measures to Enhance Pilgrim Experience
The BKTC also approved several other measures, including restricting the use of mobile phones near the shrines, strengthening pre-pilgrimage arrangements, opening a temple committee camp office at the Rishikesh transit camp, and introducing online worship facilities.
“BKTC’s aim is to provide safe, simple and accessible darshan arrangements for pilgrims,” Dwivedi said.
Preserving Sanctity and Religious Tradition
This decision appears aimed at protecting the religious sanctity of these iconic Himalayan shrines. Badrinath and Kedarnath are not merely tourist destinations but spiritual centres of the Sanatan tradition.
By formalising restrictions, the BKTC seeks to ensure that the spiritual atmosphere and rituals of the temples are preserved for devotees who follow these faith traditions.
While it may raise questions about inclusivity, the move aligns with the temples’ long-standing practices and emphasizes the primacy of faith and tradition over tourism.
Char Dham to Open in April
The 2026 Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is set to begin in April, with temples opening in a phased manner for devotees. Yamunotri and Gangotri will welcome pilgrims from April 19, followed by Kedarnath on April 22 and Badrinath on April 23.
The state government has made online registration mandatory to ensure smooth arrangements and manage crowds during the pilgrimage season.
Pilgrims can register in advance, with the registration process having started on March 6, 2026, allowing devotees to plan their journey safely and conveniently.
The phased opening and online system aim to provide a safe, organised, and accessible darshan experience at these sacred Himalayan shrines.
