Amid the ongoing Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand, the government has implemented a ban on the use of mobile phones within a 50-metre radius of the Kedarnath temple. The decision aims to ensure a hassle-free darshan experience for devotees.
Strict Enforcement and Penalties
Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Radha Raturi announced that strict action will be taken against anyone found using mobile phones within the temple’s radius. The decision comes in response to disruptions caused by mobile phone usage inside the temple premises, affecting the darshan experience for devotees.
Instructions to District Authorities
To ensure the ban’s effective implementation, Chief Secretary Raturi has instructed all District Magistrates and police officers to enforce the prohibition of mobile phone usage within the specified radius of the temple. The measure is intended to preserve the sanctity of the temple and enhance the devotees’ spiritual experience.
Devotees Urged to Comply
The Uttarakhand government‘s decision underscores the importance of maintaining a serene environment around the temple during the Chardham Yatra. Devotees are urged to cooperate with the authorities and refrain from using mobile phones within the designated area to facilitate a smooth and undisturbed darshan.
Uttarakhand Government Issues New Guidelines for Char Dham Yatra
The Uttarakhand government has issued fresh guidelines for the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, urging devotees to register and exercise restraint during their pilgrimage to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
Registration Requirement and Yatra Commencement
The government has written to the Chief Secretaries of all states to publicize that no devotee should undertake the Chardham Yatra without registration. The 2024 Char Dham Yatra commenced with the opening of the Kedarnath temple on May 1, accompanied by traditional ceremonies and chanting of bhajans. The doors of Yamunotri and Gangotri Dham were opened on May 10, followed by the Badrinath shrine on May 12.
Online Registration and Annual Pilgrimage
Online registration for the annual pilgrimage to the four holy shrines of Uttarakhand began last month on the tourism department‘s portal. Thousands of devotees visit these sacred sites, which are closed for about six months during the winter. The yatra typically takes place from April/May to October/November.
Police Guidelines and Operations
With the influx of devotees, Uttarakhand police have issued guidelines, urging devotees not to start their journey without prior registration. ‘Operation Maryada’ has been launched to ensure that people maintain decorum and refrain from misconduct, including the consumption of alcohol or drugs along the pilgrimage route.
Appeal for Cooperation and Respect
Uttarakhand Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar has requested Director Generals of Police across states not to send any VIPs for the Char Dham Darshan until May 31 due to the unexpected crowd. Authorities are committed to ensuring a smooth and safe journey for devotees and have urged everyone to conduct themselves respectfully to uphold the sanctity of the pilgrimage.
The opening of Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri took place on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya, while Badrinath Dham will open on May 12. Helicopters showered petals on the Kedarnath shrine as its doors opened. These high-altitude shrines remain closed for six months each year, opening in summer and closing at the onset of winter.
Importance of Char Dham Yatra
The Char Dham Yatra holds immense spiritual significance in Hinduism, as it involves visits to the sacred sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Devotees believe that undertaking this pilgrimage can lead to spiritual liberation and divine blessings.
