“Making reels or videography is prohibited in Kedarnath temple premises”: SP Rudraprayag

Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Niharika Tomar said on Tuesday that the administration has tightened security and management arrangements at Kedarnath Dham during the Yatra season.He said that the use of mobile phones, drones or any camera for videography has been completely banned in the temple premises.“The doors of Kedarnath Dham are opening on 22nd April at 8 am. The doli (palanquin) has reached here and along with it a large number of devotees have also come. According to the guidelines issued this time, any kind of reel or videography is prohibited in the temple premises. Use of mobile phones is also prohibited within our perimeter, SP Tomar told ANI.The official further said that a mobile counter and locker system has also been installed by the temple administration.SP Niharika Tomar said, “I would like to appeal to all the devotees not to do any kind of videography or make reels in the temple premises so that its dignity and sanctity is maintained.”“Also, flying drones without permission is also prohibited here. Today, we have taken action against two drones which were being flown unauthorized. This will continue in the future also. Therefore, I would request and appeal to everyone not to indulge in such unauthorized activities for the safety and sanctity of the Dham,” the official said.The administration has urged devotees to follow the rules and help maintain the sanctity of the temple premises.With the Char Dham Yatra officially starting on April 19 (Akshay Tritiya), a record number of pilgrims have already gathered at the base camps.Despite the festive atmosphere, authorities have issued an advisory to devotees to carry heavy woolen clothes as the temperature remained close to zero due to recent snowfall.As the sun rises on April 22, the sound of conch shells and chants of “Kedar Baba ki Jai” will mark the end of the six-month winter hiatus, and one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage sites will be reopened to the world.