The Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee has suggested a proposal limiting the entry of non-Hindus, following a resolution passed by the local temple body on Sunday. This comes after the Shri Gangotri Temple Committee decided to stop non-Hindus from entering Gangotri Dham.
The proposed restriction will reportedly also cover Mukhba, where the idol of Maa Ganga is worshipped during the winter season.
Hemant Dwivedi, chairman of the Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee, said the proposal to bar non-Hindus from Gangotri and other temples under the committee will be discussed and placed before its board at an upcoming meeting, according to multiple media reports.
‘During non-BJP governments, these traditions were often overlooked,’ says temple committee chairman
Citing Dwivedi, a report by India Today said that protecting Uttarakhand’s religious and cultural traditions remains a top priority. He explained that, in the past, entry to temples in areas such as Kedarnath and Mana was limited to Hindus, but these customs were often ignored under earlier non-BJP governments. He added that steps would now be taken to strictly follow these long-standing practices.
The report added that Dwivedi also welcomed Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s orders to remove illegal shrines across the state, saying the move would help strengthen Uttarakhand’s religious identity, cultural heritage and law and order. He said closer coordination between the state government and temple committees would further help preserve the sanctity of temples and traditions.
Responding to the proposal, Chief Minister Dhami said the administration would act in line with the suggestions made by committees and bodies that manage pilgrimage sites in the state.
When will Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines open?
Officials said the Badrinath temple in Chamoli district will reopen for devotees on April 23 after a six-month winter break. The date and auspicious time were decided through traditional rituals held at the Tehri Royal Palace in Narendra Nagar on the occasion of Basant Panchami.
The Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines in Uttarkashi will reopen on April 19 on Akshaya Tritiya. The reopening date for Kedarnath Dham in Rudraprayag will be announced on Maha Shivratri. |
