Viral social media reels filmed at Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand have sparked widespread outrage among devotees, as youths treat the sacred shrine of Baba Kedar as a backdrop for ‘likes’ and ‘followers’ race.
According to sources, viral photographs and videos emerging from the shrine have hurt religious sentiments and raised serious questions regarding management and discipline within the temple complex. In videos going viral, several youths can be seen climbing onto their companions’ shoulders to create reels in the vicinity of the temple complex.
While some are filming videos in cinematic style, others appear to be participating in a race for ‘likes’ and ‘followers’ by using Baba Kedar’s shrine merely as a backdrop for social media content.
Such activities at Kedarnath Dham—a site regarded as a symbol of religious faith and Sanatan traditions—have sparked widespread outrage among devotees. People assert that Baba Kedar’s shrine is neither a recreational spot, filming location, nor social media studio. Rather, it stands as the paramount centre of faith for millions of Hindus. Such behaviour runs counter to the dignity of the shrine and established religious norms.
Devotees point out that while there is constant talk of police presence, security forces, and CCTV surveillance within temple premises, viral videos serve as ample proof of how effective rules and regulations truly are on the ground.
Priests Santosh Trivedi, Himanshu Tiwari, and Gaurav Tiwari stated that the sacred Baba Kedarnath Dham has been reduced to a mockery. They emphasised that in a shrine where people arrive with deep faith and devotion, climbing onto someone’s shoulders to film social media reels is unfortunate and reprehensible.
They demanded that the Badri Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) and the administration take strict action to ensure no one dares to trifle with religious sanctity and decorum in future.
BKTC member Vineet Posti acknowledged that amid the crowd, a few people are indeed climbing onto shoulders to film reels—behaviour he deemed inappropriate. He assured that necessary action would be initiated in such cases.
Kedarnath pilgrimage already faces numerous questions regarding overcrowding, ‘VIP culture,’ traffic congestion, rising costs, and administrative disarray. The social media reel trend has cast another major shadow of doubt on the functioning of the administration and BKTC.
Baba Kedar’s sacred shrine demands reverence, not viral content.
Follow Dharmic News for updates on temple sanctity and devotee conduct.
