The Shri Gangotri Mandir Samiti in Uttarakhand has decided to ban the entry of all non-Hindus into the holy Gangotri shrine to protect its sanctity. The restriction will also apply to Mukhba, the winter seat of Mother Ganga. According to the temple body, only Hindus will be allowed entry into these sacred spaces, as the presence and actions of people from other faiths have, in some instances, hurt the religious sentiments of devotees.