Archive · 28 Jan 2026
Uttarakhand Considers Banning Non-Hindus from Chardham Shrines
The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has agreed to a request from temple committees to stop non-Hindu people from visiting important temples like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
The committees say these places are for religious pilgrimages, not tourism, and want to keep their traditions safe.
They plan to start this rule when the pilgrimage season begins in April.
However, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists will be allowed because they are considered part of Hinduism.
Some people, like former Chief Minister Harish Rawat, disagree with the ban, saying it is divisive and goes against Hinduism's inclusive nature.
The government is studying old laws to take the right steps to implement this change.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami accepted the demand to ban non-Hindus from Chardham shrines, with exemptions for Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists.
The ban will be implemented by the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) and Gangotri Priests Association, starting from the upcoming Char Dham Yatra season in April.
Committees argue that the shrines are pilgrimage sites, not tourist destinations, and need to maintain their sanctity.
The government is studying old laws to take appropriate action to fulfill the demand.
Opposition leader Harish Rawat criticizes the ban as communal polarisation, arguing it contradicts Hinduism's inclusive nature.
- Who
- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), Gangotri Priests Association, Ganga Sabha, Former CM Harish Rawat
- What
- Proposed ban on non-Hindus from entering Chardham shrines, with exemptions for Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists
- When
- Implementation to start from the upcoming Char Dham Yatra season in April
- Where
- Uttarakhand, India (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri temples)
- Why
- To protect religious and cultural traditions and maintain the sanctity of the pilgrimage sites, though opposed as communal polarisation
Temple Committees and BJP
Opposition and Secular Groups
Ban on Non-Hindus
Temple Committees and BJP
Support the ban to maintain the sanctity and religious traditions of the Chardham shrines, arguing that the sites are for pilgrimage, not tourism.
Opposition and Secular Groups
Oppose the ban, viewing it as communal polarisation and a departure from Hinduism's inclusive nature.
Inclusion of Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists
Temple Committees and BJP
Exempt Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists from the ban, as they are considered part of Hinduism under Article 25 of the Constitution.
Opposition and Secular Groups
Criticize the selective exemption, arguing that it perpetuates divisive policies.
- Location
- Uttarakhand, India (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri temples)
- Key Figures
- Pushkar Singh Dhami (CM), Hemant Dwivedi (BKTC Chairman), Harish Rawat (Former CM and Congress leader)
- Temples Affected
- Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri
- Pilgrimage Season
- Commences in April
- Committees Involved
- Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), Gangotri Priests Association, Ganga Sabha
- Constitutional Reference
- Article 25 (includes Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists as part of Hinduism)
Sources
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Addresses Char Dham Entry Controversy
Uttarakhand CM accepts priests’ demand for prohibition of non Hindus at temples
Uttarakhand News: Non-Hindus Barred From Entering Gangotri Dham As Temple Committee Takes Unanimous Decision
Uttarakhand temple entry row as CM backs ban demand and opposition flags 2027 poll pitch - Telegraph India
