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By: JAI SINGH RAWAT

Dehradun: In a significant step to maintain religious decorum, authorities at the revered Kedarnath Temple have imposed a complete ban on mobile phones within the temple premises, prohibiting photography, videography, and the recording of social media reels.

Announcing the decision, Temple Committee member Vineet Posti stated that any devotee found violating the rules will face legal action, underlining the seriousness of the directive. The move comes amid rising concerns about devotees filming videos inside the shrine, often disrupting the spiritual atmosphere.

Focus on devotion over distraction.

Temple authorities said the ban aims to ensure devotees can experience a peaceful, spiritually immersive darshan free of distractions from mobile use.

Officials also indicated that monitoring teams will be deployed on the premises, and any devices found in restricted areas may be confiscated. The decision has received support from religious leaders, who считают that it is essential to preserve the dignity and sanctity of one of India’s holiest shrines.

Traffic and crowd management for the Yatra season

Alongside the mobile ban, local authorities have drawn up a comprehensive traffic management plan for the upcoming Kedarnath Yatra, anticipating a heavy influx of pilgrims.

Key measures include:

• Strengthened traffic regulation from national highways to inner link roads
• Deployment of adequate police personnel at critical نقاط
• Creation of temporary and permanent parking facilities to prevent congestion
• Continuous monitoring to ensure smooth and safe movement of vehicles

Officials said these steps are aimed at ensuring a disciplined and hassle-free pilgrimage experience, especially during peak yatra days.

Rising concerns over social media culture at religious sites

The ban reflects a broader trend across religious places in India, where authorities are increasingly cracking down on filming and social media activity inside sacred spaces. Concerns have grown over viral videos shot inside temples, often seen as undermining the sanctity of worship.

With this decision, Kedarnath Temple authorities have sent a clear message — devotion must take precedence over digital distractions, reinforcing the spiritual essence of the pilgrimage.