Published: Jan 17, 2026

Dehradun: In a significant move aimed at preserving the sanctity of religious practice and streamlining the management of pilgrim crowds, the Uttarakhand government has announced a complete ban on mobile phones and cameras inside all four Char Dham temples starting from the upcoming pilgrimage season, likely to begin in April. The decision was formalized following a high-level review meeting on Char Dham Yatra 2026 preparations at the Char Dham Yatra Transit Camp in Rishikesh, attended by senior officials, district magistrates, and police authorities.

The announcement was made by Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, who emphasized that the ban is intended to address disruptions caused during last season’s pilgrimage, when pilgrims frequently used mobile phones and cameras inside temple premises, causing logistical challenges in managing darshan queues.

“Last season, carrying mobile phones and cameras into temple premises created several problems in darshan management. Therefore, from this year onwards, mobile phones and cameras will be completely prohibited inside the temple premises of all four Dhams,” Pandey stated.

Designated Photography Points

While the ban covers temple interiors, devotees will still be allowed to take photographs outside the temple precincts, up to designated points. Specific instructions for each temple have been issued:

• Badrinath: No cameras or mobile phones will be allowed beyond Singh Dwar.
• Kedarnath: Similar restrictions apply, prohibiting phones and cameras inside the main temple area.

Pandey highlighted that the measure is intended to help pilgrims focus on the religious aspects of the yatra and reduce crowd management issues caused by mobile use and photography inside sacred spaces.

Cloakroom Facilities for Pilgrims

To facilitate adherence to the ban, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has been instructed to set up secure cloakroom facilities at temple premises where pilgrims can deposit their mobile phones and cameras. Devotees will then retrieve their devices after completing their darshan. Pandey assured that this system would be strictly enforced to maintain discipline and preserve the sanctity of the pilgrimage experience.

Preparations for Char Dham Yatra 2026

The review meeting also focused on broader preparations for the yatra, which saw over 50 lakh devotees last year. Authorities have pledged to make this year’s pilgrimage safer and more convenient, with several key measures being prioritized:

• Infrastructure and Essential Services: Round-the-clock arrangements will be made for drinking water, medical facilities, transport, food supply, sanitation, electricity, telecommunications, helicopter services, and disaster control rooms at all four Dhams and along pilgrimage routes.
• Road Maintenance and Safety: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Public Works Department (PWD), and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) have been instructed to prioritize debris removal and road repair, particularly after heavy rainfall last year left several stretches partially restored. Completion is expected within a month.
• Accommodation and Amenities: Efforts are being made to expand parking capacity, improve pedestrian pathways, and ensure adequate lodging in hotels and GMVN guest houses along the route.
• Execution and Funding: District magistrates along the yatra route have been directed to fast-track tender processes for essential works and ensure timely fund release according to district needs.

District-Wise Review

During the meeting, a district-wise review of preparations was conducted covering Haridwar, Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli, with officials discussing coordination between civil administration, police, and temple management committees. The focus was on ensuring smooth darshan arrangements, crowd management, and rapid response to emergencies during the pilgrimage season.

Balancing Devotion with Management

The Uttarakhand government’s decision reflects a balancing act between preserving religious devotion and addressing practical management challenges. With increasing pilgrim footfall every year, the ban on mobile phones and cameras is expected to reduce congestion, enhance security, and allow pilgrims to experience darshan without distractions.

Garhwal Commissioner Pandey emphasized the spiritual nature of the yatra, stating, “This is a religious yatra and devotees come here with faith. The ban ensures that the focus remains on devotion rather than distractions caused by mobile phones or photography.”

Looking Ahead

The government expects the 2026 Char Dham Yatra to commence in April, though exact opening dates for each Dham have yet to be announced. Preparatory work, including infrastructure upgrades, safety arrangements, and public services, is being fast-tracked to ensure a seamless experience for pilgrims.

The move has been largely welcomed by temple authorities and religious organizations, who highlighted that limiting electronic devices inside temples would help maintain the sacred atmosphere and reduce the pressure on security personnel.

In conclusion, the Uttarakhand government’s ban on mobile phones and cameras inside Char Dham templesrepresents a major policy shift aimed at enhancing the sanctity, safety, and efficiency of one of India’s most important pilgrimage circuits. Alongside this, the comprehensive preparatory measures, from road repairs to emergency services, aim to ensure that pilgrims can undertake the yatra with faith, convenience, and safety, marking a new chapter in the management of India’s revered Char Dham Yatra.

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