Hemant Dwivedi, Chairman of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, on Tuesday defended the banning of the entry of non-Hindus in the Shri Badrinath and Kedarnath Dhams, saying that the proposal is being tabled to maintain the sanctity of the temples.
"Shri Kedarnath Dham and Shri Badrinath Dham are not tourist destinations. They are the supreme spiritual centres of Sanatan traditions. The question of entry here is not a matter of civil rights, but rather a matter of religious faith," Dwivedi told ANI.
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.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami offered prayers and performed rituals at the world-renowned Kedarnath Dham temple before its closure for the winter season.
A grand Deepotsav will be organised at Badrinath and Kedarnath dham on the occasion of Diwali, said Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) President Hemant Dwivedi. The temples are being splendidly decorated with flowers.
Upon his arrival, Mukesh Ambani was grandly welcomed by Hemant Dwivedi, Chairman of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), who also presented him with the traditional Uttarakhand cap.
Amid heavy rainfall, the Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee, along with the Rudraprayag district administration and police, urged pilgrims to bring warm clothing, medicines, and other essential health-related items on Wednesday.
The portals of the Kedarnath Dham will be ceremoniously closed for the winter season on October 23 this year, the Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) said.
The date for the ceremonial closure (Kapat) of Shri Badrinath Dham will be officially decided on Vijayadashami, Thursday, 2nd October, said the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC)