Badrinath-Kedarnath Committee Bans Non-Hindu Entry to All Temples

• The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has decided to ban the entry of non-Hindus into Badrinath, Kedarnath, and all temples under its control.
• BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi announced that a resolution for this restriction will be passed in the upcoming board meeting.
• This marks the first time such a formal restriction based on religious identity will be imposed, citing sanctity, tradition, and security.
• The gates of Badrinath Dham will open on April 23, while Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams will open on April 19 for the Char Dham Yatra.
• The decision is expected to generate controversy, as temple entry policies are often sensitive issues.

Why It Matters: BKTC to restrict non-Hindu entry to all its temples, a decision likely to spark debate.