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Uttarakhand: Preparations for Chardham Yatra have intensified in Uttarakhand. Like every year, this time too lakhs of devotees will reach for the darshan of Lord Badrinath and Kedarnath, but this time, preparations are going on for an important change before the yatra. Devotees performing special puja at Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham may now have to pay more fees than before. Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) is going to present a proposal in this regard in its board meeting soon.

The proposal to increase the special puja fee will be discussed in the upcoming meeting of the temple committee. The final decision will be taken only after taking the opinion of all the members in the meeting. If the proposal is approved, the new rates may be applicable during the upcoming Chardham Yatra. However, the general darshan system will remain free as before and no fee will be charged from the devotees for this.

Current puja fee in Kedarnath Dham

There are separate fees for different types of special pujas in Kedarnath Dham. At present, approximately Rs 7,200 is charged from five devotees for Rudrabhishek puja. The fee for Abhishek Puja is Rs 9,500, while for Laghu Rudrabhishek Puja it is fixed at Rs 6,100. For Shodashopachar puja, Rs 5,500 is charged and for Ashtopachar puja, Rs 950 is charged from five devotees. Apart from this, around Rs 28,600 has been fixed for the special puja of the whole day. Changes in these rates are possible after the proposed increase.

Special puja rates at Badrinath Dham

Pre-fixed fees are applicable for special pujas in Badrinath Dham also. Here, Rs 4,700 is charged per devotee for Mahabhishek puja and Rs 4,500 is charged for Abhishek puja. Rs 12,000 has been fixed for the entire day’s puja. At the same time, a fee of Rs 51,000 is fixed for reciting Shrimad Bhagwat. The committee is reviewing all these rates and can make amendments as per need.

Chardham Yatra dates

This year Chardham Yatra is going to start from 19th April. The doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri will open first. After this, the doors of Kedarnath Dham will be opened for devotees on 22nd April and Badrinath Dham on 24th April. Both the administration and the temple committee are busy in preparations for the yatra.

The committee says that with the aim of increasing management expenses and improving facilities, revision of fees is being considered. However, the final decision will become clear only after the board meeting. Devotees have been advised to keep an eye on the official announcement before the journey, so that information about the new rates can be received in time.