Uttarakhand: Non-Hindus Entry Banned From Gangotri Dham Ahead Of 2027 'Ardh Kumbh'

Dehradun: The Shri Gangotri Temple Committee in Uttarakhand has banned the entry of non-Hindus to the Gangotri Dham, one of the state's most revered pilgrimage sites. The move comes after similar restrictions were put in place at the Ganga ghats in Haridwar earlier this month. 

According to officials, the decision was taken by the members of the Shri Gangotri Temple Committee, which manages the shrine and its surrounding areas.

The committee also banned the entry of non-Hindus to the nearby winter camp at Mukhba, where many pilgrims stay during the winter season.

Why Has This Step Been Taken?

According to temple official, the step is taken to protect the religion and traditions of the sacred site. 

Shri Gangotri Temple Committee's chairperson, Suresh Semwal, said the decision reflects long-held customs at the shrine and the ban also covers the nearby winter camp at Mukhba.

The move comes after the religious groups demanded restrictions at major religious spots ahead of large pilgrimages, including the upcoming Ardh Kumbh Mela in Haridwar.

Earlier, the state government had imposed a ban on non-Hindu entry at several key Ganga ghats in Haridwar, including the famous Har-ki-Pauri area. 

Earlier, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had said that "Haridwar is a sacred city, and the government is committed to upholding its spiritual sanctity." 

Will Similar Rules Follow at Other Dhams?

Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) president Hemant Dwivedi said that they are planning to bring a proposal before its board to impose a similar ban at Badrinath and Kedarnath. If approved by the board, it will then go to the state government for consideration. 

The state’s Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, backed the idea in remarks to reporters. He said Uttarakhand’s sacred sites must follow “cultural and traditional norms” and that authorities would act after reviewing all aspects of the proposal.