The new rules are expected to be finalised in an upcoming meeting of the temple committee, ahead of the opening of the Himalayan shrines. The gates of Badrinath Dham are scheduled to open on April 23 at 6:15 am, while the date for Kedarnath Dham will be announced on Mahashivratri, February 15, at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi said the committee is considering a complete prohibition on carrying or using mobile phones inside the temple premises. “If anyone is found using a mobile phone within the restricted area, the device may be confiscated and a heavy fine imposed,” he said, adding that similar rules are already in force at several major temples across the country.
According to the proposal, designated boundary lines will be marked within both temple complexes. Photography, videography, and mobile phone use will be strictly prohibited beyond these points. To facilitate compliance, the committee plans to set up locker facilities inside the premises where devotees can deposit mobile phones and other belongings. Details regarding the location of lockers and whether the service will be free or paid are yet to be finalised.
The committee is also drafting a proposal to restrict the entry of non-Hindus into temples under its jurisdiction, including Badrinath and Kedarnath. Officials said the proposal is under consideration and will be discussed before a final decision is taken.
A key focus of the new guidelines is the regulation of blogging and social media content creation inside the dhams. Under the proposed rules, blogging or filming will require prior permission from the BKTC or the district administration. Those found recording content without authorisation may face penalties or other action, though the exact nature of enforcement is yet to be defined.
The move comes amid a steady rise in pilgrim numbers. In the 2025 season, over 16.52 lakh devotees visited Badrinath Dham, while Kedarnath recorded a new high of 16.56 lakh pilgrims, surpassing the previous year’s figures. Officials say the surge in footfall, combined with increased digital activity, has made regulation necessary to maintain order and religious decorum.
If approved, the new guidelines will come into effect with the opening of the temples and will apply throughout the pilgrimage season.
