Sara Ali Khan must prove Hindu faith via affidavit to visit Badrinath
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Dehradun: Kedarnath and Badrinath are two of the country's most renowned temples, visited daily by devotees and tourists from many parts of the world. Reports had surfaced two months ago that the temple, which was once open to all, regardless of caste, religion, or class, would no longer be accessible to everyone. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Joint Temple Committee has decided that all non-Hindus visiting these temples will now have to submit an affidavit confirming their belief in Hinduism.
Addressing the media, temple committee chairman Hemant Dwivedi stated that the new rule will be implemented from the start of the pilgrimage season next month. With this news, the first person people remembered was Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan. Sara, the daughter of actor Saif Ali Khan, is a regular visitor to the Badri-Kedar temples every year. Dwivedi has clarified that now the star will also be able to visit the temple only after submitting an affidavit.
Dwivedi clarified that all visitors, including Sara, will have to provide written proof of their faith in Hinduism. The rule will apply equally to any non-Hindu devotee visiting any temple for prayers. Referring to actress Sara Ali Khan's frequent visits to Kedarnath, Dwivedi said that the actress will be allowed to offer prayers if she complies with the new condition.
"If Sara Ali Khan expresses her devotion to Sanatana Dharma and submits an affidavit, we will allow her to offer prayers," Dwivedi explained.
The temple committee claims that this action is to preserve tradition.