Non-Hindus to Be Barred from Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Gangotri; CM Dhami Says Stakeholders Will Be Consulted

Dehradun: Uttarakhand has decided to restrict entry of non-Hindus into three of its sacred sites—Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Gangotri—while Yamunotri has yet to make a decision on the matter. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee and Gangotri Temple Committee have reportedly reached a consensus on the issue, with formal approvals expected in upcoming board meetings.

CM Dhami Stresses Consultation with Stakeholders
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized that the management of the Char Dham pilgrimage primarily lies with temple committees, and the government’s role is limited to assistance. He stated that the views of all stakeholders will be considered before finalizing the decisions.

Temple Committees Cite Religious and Historical Precedents
Hemant Dwivedi, head of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, said that the restriction on non-Hindus has been agreed upon in consultation with saints, priests, and local residents. He added that the formal board meeting later this week will finalize the decision for Badrinath and Kedarnath. Dwivedi highlighted that such restrictions have historical roots dating back to Adi Shankaracharya and that the Indian Constitution, under Article 26, grants religious communities the right to manage their own places of worship.

Dwivedi clarified that devotees of Sanatan Dharma will continue to be welcome, noting that Sikhs and Jains have long visited Badrinath and Kedarnath. He stressed that the decision is based on religious faith at these sacred sites rather than targeting any specific community.

Gangotri Temple Also Restricts Entry
Suresh Semwal, Secretary of the Gangotri Temple Committee, stated that non-Hindus will not be allowed to enter the temple of Goddess Ganga. Semwal emphasized that the committee has repeatedly clarified this policy and is now formally announcing it.

Local Support and Wider Implications
Recently, the Ganga Sabha, which manages Har Ki Pauri and surrounding ghats in Haridwar, also called for prohibiting non-Hindus from visiting key religious sites ahead of the next Ardha Kumbh, citing the Haridwar Municipal Act of 1916 and installing “Non-Hindu Prohibited” signage in the area.

Political Reactions
The Congress party criticized the move, alleging that the BJP government is attempting to divert attention from pressing public issues. Former Chief Minister Harish Rawat remarked that the government should decide comprehensively where restrictions are to be applied instead of repeatedly imposing them to confuse people.