Elderly, differently-abled pilgrims to get access to priority darshan at Kedarnath, Badrinath shrines

Dehradun: The Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee declared on Friday that priority darshan would be accorded to pilgrims above 70 years of age, and differently-abled persons at the Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines.

Chairman Hemant Dwivedi directed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sohan Singh Rangad to issue orders ensuring smooth and safe pilgrimage for these vulnerable groups.

The temple committee has made special arrangements to facilitate easier access for elderly and differently-abled devotees at both the revered shrines, officials said.


CEO Rangad said the priority darshan would follow a standard operating procedure (SOP), with four 15-minute slots throughout the day at both temples.

Each 15-minute slot will accommodate 50 pilgrims, allowing 200 elderly and differently-abled devotees to avail the facility daily at each temple.

The designated slots are scheduled from 8 am to 8.15 am, 10 am to 10.15 am, 3 pm to 3.15 pm, and 5.15 pm to 5.30 pm.

Only elderly and differently-abled pilgrims will be permitted during these periods after presenting their identity cards at the temple committee counters, the CEO said.

Officials will verify the Aadhaar card or other documents to confirm the age of pilgrims and assess disability status before granting entry, he added.