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Uttarakhand to Ban Non-Hindus from Gangotri Dham, Considers Wider Temple Restrictions

The Shri Gangotri Temple Committee has unanimously decided to prohibit the entry of non-Hindus into Gangotri Dham and its winter residence, Mukhba. Separately, the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee will consider a similar proposal for its temples at an upcoming board meeting. The Uttarakhand government is also weighing restrictions on non-Hindus at Haridwar's ghats and plans to designate Haridwar and Rishikesh as "sacred cities." BJP MLA Asha Nautiyal has publicly supported such bans, alleging that non-Hindus engage in activities that defame the pilgrimage sites.

Key Points: Uttarakhand Bans Non-Hindus from Gangotri Dham, Mukhba

  • Gangotri Dham entry banned for non-Hindus
  • Ban also applies to winter abode Mukhba
  • Proposal for Badrinath-Kedarnath ban upcoming
  • Haridwar ghat restrictions under consideration
  • Plan to designate Haridwar, Rishikesh as sacred cities
2 min read

Uttarakhand temple committee to ban non-Hindus from entering Gangotri Dham, winter abode Mukhba

Uttarakhand's Gangotri Temple Committee bans non-Hindu entry. Proposals extend to Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Haridwar ghats amid calls for "sacred cities."

"They are definitely non-Hindus who come there and are involved in such activities which defame the Dham. - Asha Nautiyal"

Dehradun, January 26

Non-Hindus will be prohibited from entering Gangotri Dham in Uttarakhand after a decision taken unanimously during a meeting of the Shri Gangotri Temple Committee held on Sunday.

Shri Gangotri Temple Committee Chairman Suresh Semwal stated that, as per the decision, the entry of non-Hindus into the Dham will be strictly prohibited. He added that the ban will also remain in force at Mukhba, the winter residence of the deity.

Meanwhile, Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Chairman Hemant Dwivedi said that a proposal to ban non-Hindus from entering both Dhams and all temples under the Temple Committee will be presented at the upcoming board meeting.

Additionally, the Uttarakhand government is considering restricting the entry of non-Hindus to the 105 ghats of Haridwar, which span an area of 120 sq km, in response to requests from certain seers and the Ganga Sabha, the authority responsible for the upkeep of the prominent Har-ki-Pauri ghat.

Additionally, the state is reportedly planning to designate both Haridwar and Rishikesh as "sanatan pavitra shehar" (sacred cities).

Earlier in March 2025, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Asha Nautiyal from the Kedarnath assembly constituency demanded that "non-Hindu people be banned" from entering the temple premises.

"There was a meeting held recently regarding the Yatra management at Kedarnath... Some people raised an issue that some incidents take place which go unnoticed. I also agree if some people are doing anything that may malign the image of Kedarnath Dham, then the entry of such people should be banned," Asha Nautiyal said to ANI.

Further, Nautiyal alleged that these people are definitely "non-Hindus" who come to defame the temple and are involved in such activities.

"They are definitely non-Hindus who come there and are involved in such activities which defame the Dham. We need to look into it because if such an issue has been raised, then there must be something to it. We will demand that the entry of such people be banned," she added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the sentiment, I'm not entirely comfortable. My Christian friend from college visited Kedarnath with me last year and was deeply respectful. Faith is personal, but devotion is universal. Shouldn't we welcome all who come with a pure heart?
R
Rohit P
Finally! For too long, these sacred sites have been treated as tourist spots. A temple is not a museum. It's a place of worship. Designating Haridwar and Rishikesh as sacred cities is also a great move.
A
Arjun K
The practical implementation will be a challenge. How will they check? Are they going to ask for ID cards? This could create unnecessary hassles for genuine pilgrims. The intention might be good, but the method seems problematic.
M
Meera T
As a devotee, I feel safer knowing the temple committees are taking steps to prevent any mischief. Recent incidents in other places show we can't be too careful. Our faith is our identity, and it must be protected.
D
David E
I visited Uttarakhand last year and was moved by the spirituality of the place. It's disappointing to hear this news. I came as a respectful visitor, not to defame anyone. This feels like closing doors instead of sharing your beautiful culture.

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