Sara Ali Khan Can Enter Kedarnath Temple if She Submits Faith Affidavit, Says BKTC

The Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) has said Bollywood actor Sara Ali Khan can visit the revered Himalayan shrines of Badrinath Temple and Kedarnath Temple if she submits an affidavit declaring her faith in Sanatan Dharma. The statement comes days after the temple committee approved a proposal restricting the entry of non-Sanatanis into the temple complexes and their sanctum areas, a move that has sparked widespread discussion among devotees and observers.

Speaking at a press conference, BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi clarified that individuals who declare their belief in Sanatan Dharma and submit a written affidavit affirming their faith would be permitted to enter the temple complexes. According to Dwivedi, anyone willing to state that they are a Sanatani and express devotion toward the faith will be allowed to perform darshan at the shrines under the committee’s proposed framework.

The clarification was issued after questions were raised about Sara Ali Khan, who has previously visited the Kedarnath shrine and gained attention for starring in the 2018 film Kedarnath, set around the famous pilgrimage site. Dwivedi said that if the actor formally submits a declaration confirming her devotion toward Sanatan Dharma using the committee’s standardised affidavit format, she will be allowed entry to the temple complexes.

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The policy proposal regarding entry restrictions was reportedly approved unanimously during a meeting of the temple committee’s board held on March 10. Following the decision, the proposal has been forwarded to the government of Uttarakhand for consideration and further action. If implemented, the proposal would restrict access to the temple complexes and their garbhagrihas, or sanctum sanctorums, to those who identify with the Sanatan tradition.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the annual Char Dham Yatra, which attracts millions of devotees each year to the Himalayan shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Dwivedi said the preparations are progressing at full pace, with authorities working to manage the large influx of pilgrims expected during the pilgrimage season.

According to the temple committee, more than six lakh devotees had already registered for the pilgrimage within ten days as of March 16. The Char Dham Yatra is scheduled to begin on April 19, coinciding with the Hindu festival Akshaya Tritiya. The portals of the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples will open on the same day, while Kedarnath will open on April 22 and Badrinath on April 23, marking the formal start of the annual pilgrimage season.

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