Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) has announced that Bollywood actor Sara Ali Khan must submit an affidavit of faith to continue visiting the Kedarnath and Badrinath temples. The decision comes after her frequent pilgrimages to the Himalayan shrines, which have sparked debate among traditionalists because of her interfaith background.
The new rule is part of BKTC’s effort to preserve the sanctity and traditions of the 47 temples under its care. Visitors from interfaith families or non-Hindu backgrounds are now required to formally declare their belief in Sanatan Dharma before entering the inner sanctum for darshan.
BKTC chairman Ajendra Ajay said the temples remain open to all who have faith, but now require a written declaration to respect the religious practices. He said, “If Sara Ali Khan expresses her devotion towards Sanatan Dharma and submits an affidavit, we will allow her to offer prayers.”
A standardised affidavit has been introduced for this purpose. Visitors must provide their name, address and formally affirm that they follow Hindu principles. The form is available at temple entry points. Those who do not submit it will not be allowed inside the temple, although they can still visit Kedarnath town and enjoy the surroundings.
Sara Ali Khan Fans Support Her Amid Demand For Proof In Belief
Sara Ali Khan received widespread support online after the announcement. Many social media users criticised BKTC’s actions. One wrote, “Gods never distinguish between people, whether they are good or bad. Why do some believe that god is theirs only?”
Another said, “Truly said. God is unbiased and shares his blessings with everyone. Let people follow what they wish.”
A third user asked, “Hain kaun ye dharam k judges?”
One more commented, “This is ridiculous, once again we are regressing. The whole point of Sanatan is lost.”
Fans also defended her family and nationality. One user said, “Uski maa aur dadi Hindu hai, kya ye proof kaafi nahi? And above all, she is an Indian.”
In a previous interview with NDTV, Sara shared her love for Kedarnath. She said, “I have gone to Kedarnath quite a few times, hopefully (will go) every year. I am who I am because of that place. Most people who come here have watched the film; therefore, they know me. If I am sitting around a dhaba near Kedarnath, most people do recognise me – but sometimes one odd traveller will just ask for directions to the temple.”
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Her Work Front
On the work front, Sara was last seen in Anurag Basu’s Metro… In Dino, alongside Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, Konkona Sen Sharma, Pankaj Tripathi, Aditya Roy Kapur, Ali Fazal and Fatima Sana Shaikh. Despite being a multi-starrer, It underperformed at the box office. Her next project is Pati Patni Aur Woh Do.
