Char Dham Yatra Starts April 19 Amid Restrictions and Rising Costs – my uttarakhand news

Uttarakhand’s renowned Char Dham Yatra is set to officially commence this year on April 19. On this day, the doors of the Gangotri and Yamunotri temple will be opened for devotees. Subsequently, the portals of Kedarnath Dham will open on April 22, followed by those of Badrinath Dham on April 23, 2026. The State Government and the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) have intensified their preparations for the pilgrimage. Given the anticipated surge in the number of devotees, special emphasis is being placed this year on ensuring the Yatra is conducted in a more organized and safe manner.

Over 6 lakh registrations received

This year, a remarkable level of enthusiasm is evident among devotees regarding the Char Dham Yatra. According to the BKTC, more than 6,18,000 devotees have already registered for the sacred pilgrimage. This figure indicates the likelihood of massive crowds converging for the Yatra this time around. Furthermore, even after the portals of the main temples were closed for the season, over 50,000 devotees visited the winter worship sites to offer prayers—a testament to the depth of their religious faith.

Strict Ban on Mobile Phones

To uphold the sanctity and maintain order within the temples during the Char Dham Yatra, strict regulations are being implemented this year. The BKTC is soon expected to issue a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), under which the use of mobile phones will be completely prohibited within the temple premises and the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) of Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham. Even VIP devotees will not be permitted to carry mobile phones. Additionally, there will be a complete ban on photography and videography within a radius of 50 to 60 meters surrounding the temple complexes. This measure is intended to streamline the Darshan (worship) process, making it simpler and more efficient. The decision has been taken with the objective of maintaining discipline within the temples and controlling unnecessary overcrowding.

Proposed Ban on the Entry of Non-Sanatanis

During a recent meeting of the BKTC, a significant resolution was passed proposing a ban on the entry of non-Sanatanis (non-followers of the Sanatani tradition) into the Char Dham temples. However, a final decision regarding this proposal is yet to be taken at the State Government level. Discussions regarding this issue have intensified at both social and religious levels, and all eyes are now fixed on the government’s final decision.

Up to 10 Percent Hike in Puja Fees

For devotees wishing to perform special rituals during the Char Dham Yatra, the fees have been increased this time around. Previously at Badrinath Dham, the fees were set at ₹4,700 per person for the Mahabhishek Puja, ₹4,500 for the Abhishek Puja, ₹51,000 for the Shrimad Bhagavat Path (recitation), and ₹12,000 for a full-day puja. Similarly, at Kedarnath Dham, the Mahabhishek Puja (for five persons) was conducted for ₹9,500, and the Kedar Abhishek Puja for ₹7,200. Now, all these puja fees are set to increase by approximately 10 percent, meaning devotees will have to pay a higher amount compared to previous years.

Budget of Over ₹121 Crore Approved

To ensure the Char Dham Yatra is successful and well-organized, the BKTC (Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee) has approved a budget exceeding ₹121.07 crore. This budget will be utilized to enhance security arrangements, improve pilgrim amenities, manage crowds, and strengthen infrastructure. This initiative aims to provide devotees with better facilities and make the pilgrimage a safer and more comfortable experience.

The Char Dham Yatra 2026 is set to commence with several new regulations and stricter protocols. Decisions such as the ban on mobile phones, restrictions on photography, and the hike in puja fees demonstrate that the administration is serious about making the pilgrimage more disciplined, safe, and orderly.

It is essential for devotees to familiarize themselves with all guidelines and strictly adhere to the rules before embarking on the pilgrimage, thereby ensuring a smooth and fulfilling spiritual experience.