Char Dham Yatra 2026 – Kedarnath Temple Opens – Ban On Mobile Phones
Rudraprayag, April 22 – AIMA Media Update News: As part of the Char Dham Yatra, the Kedarnath Temple opened its doors on Wednesday (April 22). In this context, the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has taken a significant decision: it has completely banned the use of mobile phones within the Kedarnath Temple premises. This decision was taken to preserve the sanctity of the temple and to ensure that devotees' *darshan* (worship) proceeds without any hindrance. Additionally, stringent security arrangements have been put in place for the devotees.
★ Uttarakhand Chief Minister Attends
The Kedarnath Temple was officially opened on April 22 at 8:00 AM, amidst Vedic rituals and the chanting of mantras. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the ceremony and participated in the traditional and religious rituals. On this occasion, thousands of pilgrims flocked to the holy shrine.
★ Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee Takes Key Decision
Following the opening of the temple doors, the BKTC took a crucial decision. Vineet Posti, a member of the BKTC committee, announced that the use of mobile phones has been completely prohibited within the Kedarnath Temple premises. He stated that mobile phones would not be permitted inside the temple complex. It was announced that photography, videography, and the creation of social media content such as "Reels" have been completely banned inside the temple premises. Authorities warned that legal action would be taken against anyone found violating these regulations. They further clarified that surveillance measures would be implemented to ensure strict compliance with these rules.
Vineet Posti explained that many devotees were using their mobile phones to take photos and videos, a practice that not only disrupts the *Darshan* (holy viewing) process but also compromises the sanctity of the temple. However, he stated that devotees would be permitted to take photos and videos only at a designated spot located 80 meters away from the main temple complex. "We have set up a dedicated locker facility near the temple to enable devotees to safely deposit their mobile phones, wallets, and other valuables before entering the shrine. Devotees must uphold religious decorum and help preserve the sanctity of this holy pilgrimage site," Vineet Posti urged.
★ Prepared for Traffic Management
The Rudraprayag district administration has geared up to tackle challenges such as traffic congestion and landslides. "We have identified areas prone to heavy traffic congestion, as well as locations susceptible to landslides, using Google Maps. By utilizing Google Maps, we will issue alerts to pilgrims regarding potential landslides and traffic jams. This will enable them to either halt their journey or adjust their travel plans accordingly." stated Traffic SP Shahjahan Javed Khan.
-- M. Venkata T Reddy, News Editor and Investigative Journalist