In a landmark decision that has rippled through both the spiritual and cinematic worlds, the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) has introduced new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the 2026 pilgrimage season. Leading the headlines is the requirement for Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan to submit a formal affidavit affirming her faith in Sanatan Dharma if she wishes to continue her annual visits to the high-altitude shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath.
A Formal Path to Faith
The directive, announced on Tuesday by BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi, marks a shift toward stricter adherence to ancient Vedic protocols. The committee has unanimously resolved that non-Sanatani individuals will be prohibited from entering the 47 temples under its jurisdiction unless they formally declare their belief in the faith.
Addressing the media, Dwivedi was direct about the high-profile devotee. “If Sara Ali Khan expresses her devotion towards Sanatan Dharma and submits an affidavit, we will allow her to offer prayers,” he stated. He further explained that the system is not “new” but a restoration of traditions established by Adi Shankaracharya, intended to preserve the sanctity of the shrines as religious centers rather than tourist spots.
A “Kedarnath Ki Beti”
For Sara, the valley of the Mandakini is more than just a picturesque backdrop. Her Bollywood journey began here in 2017 with the film Kedarnath, and since then, she has become a “regular” at the shrine, often seen trekking the arduous 16km trail or arriving by helicopter during the temple’s open season.
Unlike typical celebrity visits, Sara’s trips are rarely for promotion. She is often photographed in simple ethnic wear, her forehead smeared with vermillion, lost in meditation or chanting Mantras alongside thousands of common pilgrims. On social media, she frequently refers to herself as a devotee, once writing that Kedarnath is the only place where she feels “totally at home.”
The Impact of the New Rules
The 2026 guidelines include a ban on mobile phones inside the Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum) and a budget of over ₹120 crore for temple management. While the affidavit rule has sparked debate—with some calling it divisive and others labeling it a necessary protection of heritage—the BKTC maintains that these are centers of faith where “religious sentiment and tradition” must come first.
As the gates of the temples are set to open this April, the world watches to see how the actress—who has always identified as a “proud Indian” from a secular family—will navigate this formal requirement to continue her spiritual bond with “Baba Kedar.” To know such latest updates tuned tellyboosters.com Thank you!
