Char Dham Yatra Update: Amid a surge in pilgrim numbers, officials familiar with the matter announced that the Uttarakhand government has opted to discontinue VIP darshan privileges at the Char Dham temples. Additionally, a ban has been enforced on videography and creating social media reels within a 50-meter radius of the shrines.

In a letter addressed to her counterparts in all states and Union territories, Chief Secretary Radha Raturi informed them of the continuous surge in pilgrim numbers visiting the Holy Char Dham in Uttarakhand this year. As part of improved management measures, it has been decided to suspend all ‘VIP Darshan‘ privileges until May 31, 2024.

“The Char Dham Yatra is currently underway smoothly, with arrangements in place for systematic darshan for pilgrims. However, it has come to our attention that videography and creating social media reels within the temple premises are causing crowds to gather and inconvenience to devotees. Therefore, in consideration of devotees’ convenience, videography and reel-making for social media within a 50-meter radius of the temple premises in Char Dham are now strictly prohibited,” the letter further stated.

Previously, Raturi had announced a ban on the use of mobile phones within a 200-meter radius of Char Dham shrines. She emphasized that the administration would take legal action against individuals caught creating social media reels or spreading misinformation about the Char Dham yatra.

“Creating reels with false information is a punishable offense. If you’re embarking on a pilgrimage with faith, filming reels near temples is inappropriate,” she remarked.

The Char Dham yatra commenced on May 10, attracting 334,732 pilgrims from India and abroad within the first six days. Yatra registration began on April 25, with over 270,000 devotees registering by Thursday evening.

In another communication addressed to the chief secretaries of other states on April 30, the chief secretary advised, “Elderly devotees with medical conditions should undergo testing before undertaking the yatra and adhere to the guidelines issued by the Uttarakhand health department.”