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Priority Darshan for Elderly, Differently-Abled at Badrinath-Kedarnath

The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has introduced priority darshan slots for elderly and differently-abled devotees at both temples. Under the initiative, four 15-minute slots are available daily, allowing 50 devotees per slot. The facility aims to ensure respect, safety, and hassle-free darshan for senior citizens and specially-abled pilgrims. Additionally, the Uttarakhand Health Department has started health screenings at the Rishikesh transit camp for pilgrim safety.

Key Points: Priority Darshan for Elderly at Badrinath, Kedarnath Temples

  • Priority darshan for elderly and differently-abled devotees at Badrinath and Kedarnath
  • Four 15-minute slots daily, total one hour
  • Slots at 8-8:15 AM, 10-10:15 AM, 3-3:15 PM, 4:45-5 PM
  • Uttarakhand Health Dept starts health screenings at Rishikesh transit camp
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Priority darshan slots introduced for elderly, differently-abled devotees at Badrinath, Kedarnath temples

Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee introduces priority darshan slots for elderly and differently-abled devotees. Four 15-min slots daily for smooth, safe darshan.

"Differently-abled and elderly devotees are being provided priority access for darshan at both Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham - Hemant Dwivedi"

Dehradun, May 15

The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has decided to introduce a priority darshan facility for elderly and differently-abled devotees visiting Badrinath Temple and Kedarnath Temple.

The initiative has been launched under the direction of BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi to ensure respect, safety, and hassle-free darshan for senior citizens and specially-abled pilgrims.

Speaking to ANI over the phone, Hemant Dwivedi said that differently-abled and elderly devotees are being provided priority access for darshan at both Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham.

He said that the temple committee has made special arrangements at both shrines to ensure smooth, convenient, and safe darshan for elderly and specially-abled devotees.

The BKTC Chairman further said that, in accordance with the prescribed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), a special priority darshan system has been implemented for elderly and differently-abled pilgrims. Under this arrangement, four dedicated slots of 15 minutes each have been created for 50 devotees at a time, allowing a total of one hour of priority darshan.

During these designated slots, only elderly and differently-abled devotees will be allowed to offer prayers. At both shrines, the special darshan facility will be available from 8:00 AM to 8:15 AM, 10:00 AM to 10:15 AM, 3:00 PM to 3:15 PM, and 4:45 PM to 5:00 PM.

Earlier, the Uttarakhand government appointed PCS officer Sohan Singh as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee.

Sohan Singh was serving as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Chamoli district. The step comes in view of the Char Dham Yatra.

Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee plays a crucial role in the smooth conduct of the Char Dham Yatra. The committee overlooks the administration of the Kedarnath and Badrinath temples.

Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand Health Department has initiated comprehensive health screenings for pilgrims at the Rishikesh transit camp, the gateway for the annual Char Dham Yatra. Special arrangements have been made for the convenience and safety of pilgrims.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

V
Vikram M
Finally! The Char Dham Yatra can be very challenging for seniors and specially-abled. I'm glad the BKTC under Hemant Dwivedi is implementing this. However, I hope the system is well-managed and not misused. Regular devotees also need to be patient with these arrangements.
S
Siddharth J
This is great! But I hope the implementation is smooth. Often these priority systems become messy with people arguing. The 50 devotees per 15-minute slot sounds reasonable. Also good to see the health department doing check-ups at Rishikesh. A well-coordinated yatra makes everyone's experience better.
J
Jessica F
As someone who's visited Indian temples, this is a wonderful initiative. Elderly pilgrims often struggle with the crowd. The 8 AM slot is perfect for early morning darshan. Hope they provide wheelchairs and proper assistance too. Good to see the temple committee thinking about accessibility.
A
Aman W
This is a good start but more needs to be done. The yatra season sees millions of pilgrims. Priority darshan for 50 devotees per slot might not be enough. Also, I hope they have proper signage and volunteers to guide people. The CEO appointment is also a step in the right direction.
T
Tanya I
As someone who accompanies elderly pilgrims every year, this is a blessing! 🙏 The 15-minute slots are well-timed - not too long to keep others waiting, but enough for a meaningful darshan. Though I worry about crowd management during peak hours. Hope the BKTC has trained staff to handle this efficiently.

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