Uttarakhand Bans Mobile Phones and Cameras Inside Char Dham Temples

The Uttarakhand government has banned mobile phones and cameras inside the temple complexes of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites—Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri—to preserve sanctity and prevent disputes caused by filming. Announced by Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey after a review meeting, devotees must submit devices before darshan, with arrangements made for their safekeeping. The move aims to enhance devotional focus and improve pilgrimage management amid over 50 lakh visitors last season.