Planning a Kedarnath Visit? Temple Bans Reels & Mobiles Inside Premises – Check Details

Kedarnath Dham Yatra: Starting from April 30, Cameras & Reels Banned Near the Temple. The much-awaited Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is set to begin on April 30, and the registration process is already underway. The pilgrimage will officially start with the opening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri temple doors on the same day. Kedarnath’s gates will open on May 2, followed by Badrinath on May 4. Preparations are in full swing at every level to ensure a smooth journey for devotees. Meanwhile, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has also begun its preparations. To maintain discipline and avoid any disruption, the committee has issued new guidelines, including a strict ban on making social media reels and carrying cameras within a 30-meter radius of the Kedarnath temple premises. This decision comes in response to the increasing number of visitors and the challenges in managing the crowd efficiently.

Why the Ban on Reels and Cameras?

Over the past few years, the number of devotees visiting Kedarnath has surged significantly. Alongside, a growing trend of creating social media content, including reels and videos, has been observed. Many visitors shoot and upload videos for likes and views, sometimes disrupting the temple’s peaceful environment. There have even been instances where objectionable reels were made inside the temple premises. In one case, a couple created a reel where they performed a marriage-like ritual inside the temple, sparking outrage among priests and religious leaders. Given such incidents, the temple committee has decided to strictly prohibit video-making, photography, and carrying social media-related devices in the 30-meter radius of the temple premises.

How Will It Be Enforced?

To ensure compliance, strict security checks will be conducted at the entrance.

• Police personnel, ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police), and temple committee officials will be stationed to monitor the area.
• Visitors will not be allowed to carry cameras or mobile devices in the restricted zone.

This step aims to preserve the spiritual atmosphere of the temple and ensure that the sanctity of the holy site remains intact. Devotees are urged to follow these guidelines and experience the pilgrimage with devotion and discipline.