Chardham Yatra 2025: Video Reel Makers, YouTubers Banned from Temple Premises

Dehradun, 27th March 2025: The Kedarnath-Badrinath Panda community has announced a ban on video reel makers and YouTubers from entering temple premises during the upcoming Chardham Yatra, which begins on April 30, 2025. The community has informed the authorities that anyone found filming content inside the temple premises will be denied entry and sent back without darshan.

Rajkumar Tiwari, President of the Kedarnath Sabha, said that last year, excessive noise from drum performances and social media content creators caused disturbances in the Shivalik mountain range for 10 to 12 days. “This is not good for the sacred environment of Kedarnath Dham. This time, we will not allow cameras to be turned on inside the temple premises,” he said.

VIP Darshan System Also Scrapped
In addition to the ban on video creators, the VIP darshan system, which allowed devotees to pay for priority access, will also be discontinued. Ashok Todaria, Treasurer of the Panda Panchayat of Badrinath Dham, stated, “Taking money for darshan is against the dignity of God. This year, every devotee will get equal access.”

Chardham Yatra Schedule 2025
The Chardham Yatra, a revered pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, will follow this schedule:
April 30: Opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams.
May 2: Opening of Kedarnath Dham.
May 4: Opening of Badrinath Dham, marking the full commencement of the Yatra.
10 Holding Areas to Ensure Smooth Pilgrimage
To manage crowds and provide shelter during bad weather or emergencies, 10 holding areas will be set up across the Yatra route in:
Haridwar, Rishikesh, Byasi, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag, Harbatpur, Vikasnagar, Barkot, and Bhatwadi.

Each holding area will be equipped with hotels, toilets, beds, medical facilities, food, and drinking water. Additionally, the entire Yatra route has been divided into 10-km security sectors, with six bike-patrolling policemen in each sector to provide immediate assistance.

Massive Registrations for Chardham Yatra 2025
In just six days, 9 lakh devotees have already registered for the Yatra. The highest number of registrations is for Kedarnath Dham (2.75 lakh), followed by:
Badrinath Dham: 2.24 lakh
Gangotri Dham: 1.38 lakh
Yamunotri Dham: 1.34 lakh
Hemkund Sahib: 8,000

Offline Registrations to Begin After Yatra Starts
Currently, online registration is being done via the Tourism Development Council website. Additionally, a WhatsApp number, mobile helpline, and toll-free number will soon be provided for easier access.

Once the Yatra begins, offline registrations will be available in Haridwar and Rishikesh, allowing devotees to register in person. A token system will also be implemented to ensure organized darshan at all four Dhams.

With stricter regulations and better facilities, authorities aim to provide a more peaceful and seamless experience for pilgrims visiting the revered Chardham sites.