Uttarakhand Bans Mobile Phones and Cameras Inside Char Dham Temples from 2026

Uttarakhand authorities have decided to ban mobile phones and cameras inside the premises of all four Char Dham temples, including Badrinath and Kedarnath, starting from the 2026 pilgrimage season. The ban aims to preserve the sanctity of the shrines and improve crowd management, following issues caused by pilgrims recording videos and taking photographs during last season. Pilgrims will be required to deposit their devices at designated counters near temple entrances and can retrieve them after darshan. The decision was announced by Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey during a review meeting involving senior officials.