Authorities Ban Mobile Phones and Video Recording at Kedarnath Temple to Preserve Sanctity: In a significant move ahead of the Char Dham Yatra 2025, authorities have imposed a complete ban on mobile phones, video recording, and social media content creation within the Kedarnath Temple premises. The decision, implemented by the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, aims to uphold the sanctity of the temple and provide a peaceful atmosphere for devotees.
Reason Behind the Ban
The increasing trend of filming reels, livestreaming prayers, and taking selfies inside temples has sparked concerns over the years. Devotees had raised complaints about disruptions caused by large crowds gathering for content creation, loud music, and even public proposals inside the temple premises. Viral videos from previous years highlighted these disturbances, prompting stricter regulations in 2025.
To enforce this rule, authorities have prohibited the carrying of mobile phones and cameras within a 30-metre radius of the Kedarnath Temple. Vijay Prasad Thapliyal, the Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, confirmed that strict measures will be in place to ensure compliance. Additionally, the Kedarnath-Badrinath Panda Samaj has taken a firm stance against YouTubers and social media influencers creating content inside temple premises. Any individual found making reels or videos will be denied darshan and asked to leave. The administration has also discussed this rule with the state government for effective implementation.
Other Key Updates for Char Dham Yatra 2025
The Char Dham Tour is set to begin on April 30, coinciding with Akshaya Tritiya, when the doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri temples will open. Kedarnath Temple will be accessible to devotees from May 2, followed by Badrinath Temple on May 4.
To enhance safety and ensure smooth management during the pilgrimage, the Uttarakhand government has introduced several measures. Ten designated holding areas are being set up at key locations, including Haridwar, Rishikesh, Byasi, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and Sonprayag. These facilities will provide essential amenities such as drinking water, bedding, medicines, emergency food supplies, and toilets. The entire route has been divided into 10-km sectors, with six police personnel patrolling each sector on motorcycles to assist pilgrims in emergencies.
Health Advisory for Pilgrims
With preparations in full swing, the Uttarakhand government has issued a health advisory for pilgrims, urging them to undergo medical check-ups before embarking on the yatra. Given the physically demanding nature of the pilgrimage, authorities recommend regular walks, pranayama (breathing exercises), and heart-strengthening workouts to prepare for the journey.
The advisory follows alarming statistics from previous years. In 2024, a total of 246 pilgrims lost their lives due to health complications, including high-altitude sickness and cardiac arrests. A similar trend was observed in 2023, with 242 recorded deaths. The government aims to minimize such risks by promoting better health preparedness among devotees.
Registration and Offline Access
The Char Dham Yatra has already witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 9 lakh devotees registering within six days. Kedarnath received the highest number of registrations (2.75 lakh), followed by Badrinath (2.24 lakh), Gangotri (1.38 lakh), Yamunotri (1.34 lakh), and Hemkund Sahib (8,000).
To facilitate easy registration, the Tourism Development Council plans to introduce multiple registration options, including website registration, mobile numbers, WhatsApp, and a toll-free helpline. Once the pilgrimage begins, offline registration will also be available in Haridwar and Rishikesh for those unable to register online. A token system will be introduced at all four dhams to streamline darshan for devotees. With these measures in place, the authorities are working to ensure a smooth, safe, and spiritually enriching experience for all pilgrims undertaking the sacred Char Dham Yatra in 2025.
