Char Dham Yatra 2026: ‘Sanatani’ Affidavit Rule For Kedarnath, Badrinath Temples Explained
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The proposed Char Dham entry rules have sparked questions online, with Sara Ali Khan’s visits to Kedarnath now at the centre of the discussion.
Char Dham Yatra 2026: ‘Sanatani’ Affidavit Rule For Kedarnath, Badrinath Travellers Explained
As the Char Dham Yatra gears up to welcome lakhs of pilgrims this April, a new proposal around entry rules at Kedarnath and Badrinath temples is sparking a wider conversation about faith and access in India’s most sacred circuits.
The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has proposed that only those who identify as followers of Sanatan Dharma will be allowed entry into the temples, including the sanctum sanctorum. According to the committee, visitors may be required to submit an affidavit affirming their faith before entering the shrines.
This development comes just weeks before the Yatra begins on April 19, with over six lakh devotees already registered. Kedarnath is set to open on April 22, followed by Badrinath on April 23—marking the start of one of India’s most significant annual pilgrimages.
Officials say the move is aimed at preserving the sanctity of these centuries-old temples, which they trace back to the traditions established by Adi Shankaracharya. The four Char Dham shrines—Kedarnath Temple, Badrinath Temple, Gangotri Temple and Yamunotri Temple—are considered deeply sacred, drawing devotees from across the country every year.
However, the proposal has also raised questions in the context of modern travel, where pilgrimage routes increasingly intersect with tourism. A notable example being discussed online is actor Sara Ali Khan, who is known for her frequent visits to Kedarnath and Badrinath despite her religious background. Under the proposed rule, committee chairman Hemant Dwivedi said that she too would be allowed to visit Kedarnath if she provides such a declaration of faith. Such a form would be available at the temple premises before entry.
This isn’t entirely unprecedented. Several temples across India already enforce entry restrictions. The Jagannath Temple allows entry only to Hindus, while Tirupati has its own declaration norms—famously followed by the family of Pawan Kalyan.
What Is The Declaration Rule At Tirumala?
At Tirumala, non-Hindu devotees must sign a declaration affirming their faith, respect, and devotion towards Lord Venkateswara before being allowed darshan. This rule, introduced in the 1990s under the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) regulations, ensures that visitors follow temple traditions and rituals.
As per reports, the declaration form is typically submitted at the Vaikuntham Queue Complex before entering the temple. In some cases, especially for VIPs, temple officials may collect the signed form from their accommodation. Overall, the declaration is a mandatory step for non-Hindu devotees seeking entry into the temple.
For travellers planning the Char Dham Yatra this year, similar rules may be enforced with the proposal currently under consideration by the Uttarakhand government.
What is the Char Dham Yatra and why is it important?
The Char Dham Yatra symbolises a spiritual return to four sacred sources of life and liberation. Each shrine has its own importance: Yamunotri and Gangotri honour the origins of the Yamuna and Ganga rivers, while Kedarnath and Badrinath are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. It is said that every Hindu should complete the circuit of these char dhams in Uttarakhand to attend moksha and peace.
Char Dham Yatra 2026 dates and opening details
As per reports, the Char Dham Yatra starts from April 19, 2026, on the occasion of Akshay Tritiya. While independent opening dates of each temple differ and depend on weather and rituals, the yatra season usually runs from late April to early November.
March 18, 2026, 21:27 IST
