Mobile ban, no blogging: New rules for Kedarnath, Badrinath devotees

Chamoli (The Uttam Hindu): Preparations have begun to establish new rules for pilgrims before the opening of the Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) will soon meet to finalize the rules.

Strict ban on mobile phones

BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi told a private newspaper that there will be a complete ban on carrying mobile phones in the temple premises. If anyone is found roaming with a phone, his mobile will be confiscated and he may be fined heavily. This ban is being imposed because of those who blog or make videos in the temple premises. According to the committee, such rules are already in place in many major temples of the country and now the same rules will be adopted in Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham also.

The temple committee has prepared a proposal to ban the entry of non-Hindus in all the temples under its jurisdiction, including Badrinath and Kedarnath.

Blogging and Photography Banned:

Blogging or videography of any kind will no longer be permitted within the shrine premises. Blogging will require special permission from the BKTC or the local District Magistrate. Violations of these rules will result in heavy fines or other action by the committee.

Locker facilities will be provided on the premises for devotees to store their belongings. The committee is still deciding whether locker use will be free or a charge will apply.

Boundary Zones at the Dhams:

The BKTC stated that a boundary zone will be designated within the temple complex. Any kind of videography or photography beyond this boundary line will be strictly prohibited. Checking may also be conducted before entering the boundary zone.

The temple committee stated that the new rules are necessary for the convenience of devotees and to maintain the sanctity of the temple. It also stated that it is the responsibility of all devotees to follow the rules to maintain peace and discipline at both shrines.