Film actress Sara Ali Khan may be allowed to visit the Badrinath Temple and Kedarnath Temple if she submits an affidavit declaring her faith in Sanatan Dharma, BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi said on Tuesday.
Speaking to mediapersons, Dwivedi said non-Hindus who have faith in Sanatan Dharma can visit the temples if they provide a written declaration stating their belief. He added that anyone who identifies as a Sanatani and expresses belief in Hindutva will be allowed entry.
A few days ago, the BKTC had unanimously approved a proposal to ban the entry of non-Sanatanis into the Badrinath and Kedarnath temple complexes.
Referring to Sara Ali Khan, who has visited the shrine earlier and worked in the film Kedarnath, Dwivedi said she would be permitted 'darshan' if she formally declares her faith in Sanatan Dharma through an affidavit. He also mentioned that a standard format for such affidavits has already been prepared by the committee.
He further said during a board meeting on March 10, the committee unanimously approved a proposal to restrict entry of non-Sanatanis into the temple complexes and the 'garbhagrihas' (sanctum sanctorums) of both shrines. Dwivedi added that the proposal has been sent to the Uttarakhand government for further consideration and action.
On preparations for the Char Dham Yatra, he said arrangements are moving ahead smoothly. He noted that over 6 lakh devotees have registered for the pilgrimage within just 10 days, till March 16.
The Char Dham Yatra will begin on April 19 this year, coinciding with Akshaya Tritiya. The portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri temples will open the same day, while Badrinath Dham will open on April 23 and Kedarnath Dham on April 22.
Also read: Non-Hindus to be barred from Badrinath, Kedarnath shrines
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