DEHRADUN, JAN 18: In a significant step to preserve the sanctity and smooth conduct of the revered Char Dham Yatra, the Uttarakhand government has imposed a complete ban on mobile phones and cameras within the temple complexes of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, effective from this upcoming pilgrimage season.
Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey made the announcement following an extensive review meeting with district magistrates, senior superintendents of police, and representatives from relevant departments. He highlighted persistent issues caused by the unrestricted use of these devices inside the temple premises, which have repeatedly disrupted darshan queues, created safety hazards, and detracted from the spiritual atmosphere that millions of devotees seek during their arduous journeys to these high-altitude Himalayan shrines.
“Devotees arrive with profound faith and devotion for this sacred pilgrimage, and such distractions undermine that experience,” Pandey told reporters. Under the new rules, pilgrims will be required to deposit their mobile phones and cameras at designated points before entering the temple sanctums for darshan. Once worship concludes, they can retrieve their devices and capture photographs or videos from outside the premises, with the majestic temple backdrops fully visible to commemorate their visit.
To facilitate compliance, the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has received directives to establish dedicated, secure storage facilities within each complex. These arrangements will ensure devices remain safe from theft or damage during the potentially hours-long darshan periods, especially amid the harsh weather conditions typical of these sites at elevations exceeding 10,000 feet.
Pandey emphasized the Yatra’s immense scale and cultural importance, revealing that more than 50 lakh (5 million) pilgrims flocked to the four Dhams during the previous season despite logistical challenges like landslides, heavy rains, and crowd surges. The state administration is ramping up preparations for 2026—including expanded parking, better helicopter services, improved road connectivity via ongoing projects like the Char Dham Highway, and enhanced medical facilities—to deliver a more seamless and devotee-friendly experience.
This ban aligns with broader efforts to modernize while honoring traditions, similar to restrictions at other major Indian pilgrimage sites like Vaishno Devi and Tirupati. Officials anticipate it will reduce congestion, enhance security through fewer distractions, and foster a deeper spiritual ambiance for the lakhs expected this year.
