Hemant Dwivedi: BKTC To Ban Entry Of Non-Hindus In Badrinath And Kedarnath

On this Special Report, the focus is on the significant announcement by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) regarding entry restrictions. Hemant Dwivedi, Chairman of the BKTC, has stated that a resolution will be passed in the upcoming board meeting to prohibit the entry of non-Hindus into the world-renowned Badrinath and Kedarnath Dhams. Dwivedi emphasized that 'protecting the religious and cultural traditions of Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand are most important to them.' He noted that while such restrictions existed traditionally, they were not strictly enforced in the past. The move aims to ensure the proper observance of age-old traditions across the chain of temples from Kedarkhand to Manaskhand. The programme discusses the implications of this decision and the practical challenges of its enforcement at these sacred sites, which hold the faith of millions of Indians. India Today's Ankit Sharma provides further details on the plan and the historical context of these secular yet deeply revered shrines.