In a major policy shift ahead of the 2026 Char Dham Yatra, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) formally approved a proposal on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 , to restrict the entry of non-Hindus into the shrines under its jurisdiction.
The decision, led by BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi, targets the 'preservation of the sanctity' of 47 temples, including the world-renowned Badrinath and Kedarnath Dhams.
The committee clarified that the move is not an outright ban on all visitors but a formalization of traditional practices.
To enforce the new rules, the BKTC plans to integrate religious verification into the existing pilgrim registration process.
The resolution was passed during a broader budget meeting that outlined the financial roadmap for the upcoming pilgrimage season.
The portals (Kapaat) of the shrines are scheduled to open on the following dates: