In response to the overwhelming number of pilgrims participating in the Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Radha Raturi has extended the ban on VIP darshan until May 31. This measure is intended to ensure that all devotees have the opportunity to visit the four Dhams—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—without difficulty during the pilgrimage.
Additionally, Chief Secretary Raturi issued another order, in line with instructions from Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, prohibiting videography and the creation of social media reels within a 50-meter radius of the temple complexes at all four Dhams. This decision aims to respect the religious sentiments of devotees and maintain the sanctity of the temple premises. While carrying mobile phones is still allowed, their use for shooting videos or making reels within the specified area is not permitted.
Commissioner Garhwal Division Vinay Shankar Pandey highlighted that the number of devotees this year is double compared to the previous year, with 26.73 lakh devotees already registered for the Char Dham Yatra. The pilgrimage, which began on May 10 this year, typically runs from April-May to October-November and attracts participants from across the country and abroad.
