Chardham Yatra 2025: Heading To Badrinath-Kedarnath? Don't Expect VIP Or VVIP Darshan Anymore
The Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand will begin soon with no VIP darshan allowed this year. The Badrinath Dham opens on May 4, Kedarnath on May 2, and Gangotri and Yamunotri on April 30
The highly anticipated Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand is set to commence soon, with the opening dates for all four sacred sites announced. This year, a significant change awaits devotees as the Uttarakhand government has decided to eliminate VIP darshan facilities.
In a move promoting equality, no special privileges will be granted to VIPs and VVIPs, particularly during the first month of the pilgrimage. This decision, reached in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, follows a previous gathering where the abolition of VIP darshan was discussed.
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Interestingly, this change renders a previously lucrative fee system obsolete. In 2023, the In 2023, the Badarinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) had introduced a Rs 300 fee for VIP darshan, generating considerable revenue. However, concerns regarding equity and transparency led to its discontinuation. The decision was made after the BKTC studied darshan management systems at renowned temples like Tirupati Balaji and Vaishno Devi.
The abolishment of the VIP fee aims to ensure a level playing field for all devotees. The significant influx of VIP visitors at Badri-Kedar Dham had created challenges in maintaining accurate fee records, prompting concerns about transparency.
Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham will open on Akshaya Tritiya (April 30), followed by Badrinath Dham on May 4. Kedarnath Dham will open its doors on May 2 at 7 am.
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