The Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) has established a new regulation requiring non-Hindu guests to present a formal affidavit attesting to their commitment to Sanatan Dharma before they may enter the sacred Badrinath and Kedarnath temples. The Char Dham Yatra 2026 which starts on April 19 will begin with updated devotion guidelines which BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi announced.
The directive mandates all non-Hindu worshippers to submit documentation that proves their identity as “Sanatani” and their belief in Hindutva. The BKTC has created an official affidavit template which will be available at the temple to assist with their operational needs. According to Chairman Dwivedi Sara Ali Khan can enter the temple only if she provides proof of her Kedarnath visits through affidavit submission.
The BKTC established this measure to separate religious pilgrimage from regular tourism activities which follow the ancient traditions established by Adi Shankaracharya. The committee approved the rule on March 10 2026 and it is part of a larger initiative to protect the sanctity of the temple throughout the sacred yatra.
Various social groups and religious groups have begun public dialogues about the decision. Actor Kangana Ranaut commented “Everyone here is Sanatani” to show that documentation should not be needed because all people already possess that truth. The BKTC, however, maintains that the affidavit is essential to preserving the sanctity and traditions of the holy shrines.
