Mobile Phones and Cameras Banned Inside Char Dham Temple Complexes in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand Bans Mobile Phones, Cameras Inside Char Dham Temple Complexes: In a major decision ahead of the upcoming pilgrimage season, the Uttarakhand government has imposed a complete ban on mobile phones and cameras inside the temple complexes of the Char Dhams—Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The restriction will come into effect from this year’s yatra.
Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey announced the decision on Sunday after a review meeting with district magistrates, senior superintendents of police, and officials from concerned departments. He said that the use of mobile phones and cameras during darshan was creating several problems, including congestion, delays, and inconvenience to devotees.
“Keeping the sanctity of the temples and the comfort of pilgrims in mind, mobile phones and cameras have been completely banned inside the temple complexes,” Pandey said.
Setback for Vloggers and Content Creators
The move is being seen as a significant setback for vloggers, photographers, and social media content creators, many of whom visit the Char Dhams to record videos and photographs. During the last pilgrimage season, more than 5 million devotees visited the four shrines.
Officials said that photography and videography inside temple premises had often caused obstructions and discomfort for other devotees, especially those who travel long distances for darshan.
Photography Allowed Outside Temple Premises
Clarifying the guidelines, Commissioner Pandey said that the Char Dham Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage, and devotees are expected to maintain discipline and reverence inside the temple complexes. Pilgrims will be required to deposit their mobile phones and cameras before entering the temple for darshan.
However, after completing darshan and exiting the temple, devotees will be allowed to take photographs and videos outside the temple complex, including scenic backdrops.
The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has been directed to make separate and secure arrangements for the safekeeping of mobile phones and cameras to ensure convenience for pilgrims.
Officials believe the decision will help streamline crowd management, reduce delays, and enhance the spiritual experience for devotees visiting the Char Dhams.
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