MARCH 10, 2025 - The highly anticipated Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand is set to commence soon, with the opening dates for all four sacred sites officially announced. However, this year, devotees will witness a major change as the Uttarakhand government has decided to eliminate VIP darshan facilities.

In a move to promote equality among pilgrims, no special privileges will be granted to VIPs and VVIPs, particularly during the first month of the yatra. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, following earlier discussions on the matter.

This change also marks the end of a previously lucrative system. In 2023, the Badarinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) had introduced a Rs 300 fee for VIP darshan, generating substantial revenue. However, concerns over fairness and transparency led to its discontinuation. The BKTC studied darshan management systems at renowned temples like Tirupati Balaji and Vaishno Devi before arriving at this decision.

With this move, the Uttarakhand government aims to ensure an equal and seamless darshan experience for all devotees, reinforcing the spiritual essence of the Chardham Yatra.