Char Dham 2026: No Entry for Non-Sanatanis; Mobile Phones Banned

March 17, 2026

DEHRADUN — In a landmark decision aimed at preserving the spiritual sanctity of Uttarakhand’s holiest shrines, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has officially prohibited the entry of “non-Sanatanis” into 47 temples under its jurisdiction. Speaking at the Dainik Bhaskar App Conclave, BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi (popularly known as Ajendra Ajay) announced that the upcoming Char Dham Yatra 2026 will also enforce a strict ban on mobile phones inside temple premises.

Upholding Sanatan Traditions

The decision to restrict entry was passed during a high-level budget meeting in Dehradun. The BKTC clarified that only those who follow Sanatan Dharma and have unwavering faith in Badri-Kedar will be allowed within the temple complexes.

“Every religious site has its own decorum. Just as certain rules apply to Mecca and Medina, our temples are supreme centers of faith, not picnic spots,” Dwivedi stated. The ban applies to the entire temple premises and sanctum sanctorum of prominent shrines, including Badrinath and Kedarnath. To ensure clarity, the committee defined a “Sanatani” as anyone who has faith in the tradition, applies vermillion, and recites sacred mantras or Chalisas.

Mobile Phone and Camera Ban

To curb the rising trend of “reel-making” and “vlogging” that often disturbs devotees, the committee has imposed a total ban on mobile phones and cameras.

• Badrinath: No devices allowed beyond the Singh Dwar (main entrance).

• Kedarnath: Complete prohibition within the temple compound.

• Lockers: The BKTC will establish secure cloakrooms for pilgrims to deposit their gadgets before entering.

Violators may face confiscation of their devices and heavy fines, as the administration aims to return the focus of the pilgrimage to silent prayer and meditation.

CM Dhami’s Vision 2026: Film Destination Uttarakhand

While the temples focus on tradition, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is simultaneously working to make Uttarakhand a global hub for cinema. Under “Vision 2026,” the government has invited Bollywood stars and filmmakers to explore the state as a premier film destination.

During recent brainstorms with industry leaders, CM Dhami highlighted the new Film Policy 2024, which offers subsidies up to ₹3 crore for films shot in the state. “We want the world to see the beauty of Devbhoomi through the lens of cinema, while ensuring our religious roots remain untouched,” the CM remarked.

Preparing for a Record Yatra

With the Char Dham Yatra set to begin on April 19, 2026 (Gangotri and Yamunotri opening on Akshaya Tritiya), the BKTC has approved a budget of ₹121.7 crore for infrastructure and pilgrim facilities. Mandatory digital registration is already live to manage the expected influx of over 5 million devotees.