Kedarnath Temple Entry Restrictions: Non-Hindus Who Sell Meat, Fish and Liquor May Be Barred, Says MLA

Kedarnath (The Uttam Hindu): Preparations are underway to ban non-Hindus from entering Kedarnath Dham, according to local MLA Asha Nautiyal. The decision comes after reports of non-Hindu individuals serving meat, fish, and alcohol in the area, which is seen as disrupting the temple's religious dignity. A meeting was held by Minister in charge Saurabh Bahuguna, where local traders, hotel owners, tent and shop owners, and administration officials discussed the issue. In the meeting, local traders openly expressed their concerns about non-Hindu people engaging in activities like bringing meat, alcohol, and other such things in the area, which is tarnishing the reputation of the Kedarnath temple.

The proposal to ban non-Hindu visitors was discussed, and authorities plan to identify and prevent such individuals from entering the area. MLA Asha Nautiyal stated that strict action will be taken against those found disrupting the temple's religious dignity. Nautiyal, who won the Kedarnath assembly seat by-election in November, received 23,814 votes, defeating Congress candidate Manoj Rawat, who secured 18,192 votes. Nautiyal's victory margin was 5,622 votes. The move to ban non-Hindu visitors is aimed at preserving the religious sanctity of Kedarnath Dham, one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites.