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.”
