Participating in special rituals at the Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines will become more expensive during the Char Dham Yatra, which commences next month. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has revised the fee structure by increasing the charges for various rituals. At the Badrinath shrine, the fee for organizing a *Shrimad Bhagavat Katha* has been doubled, rising from ₹51,000 to ₹100,000. Meanwhile, at the Kedarnath shrine, devotees will now have to pay a fee of ₹51,000 for a full-day ritual—a significant increase from the previous rate of ₹28,600.
While no fee is charged to pilgrims visiting the Char Dham shrines for general *darshan* (viewing of the deity) at Badrinath and Kedarnath, devotees wishing to participate in special rituals at either shrine are required to make a prior booking. The BKTC levies fees for these special rituals, as well as for the morning and evening *Aarti* ceremonies. This time, the BKTC has finalized a new fee schedule following an upward revision of the ritual charges. The decision to increase these fees was taken unanimously during a recent meeting of the BKTC Board.
**37 Types of Rituals at Badrinath; 46 at Kedarnath**
At both the Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines, various types of *Aarti* ceremonies are performed in the mornings and evenings. Additionally, rituals such as *Mahabhishek*, *Abhishek* (ritual bathing of the deity) accompanied by *Bhog* (food offering), and other specific prayers are conducted. The BKTC’s roster of special rituals comprises 37 distinct types at the Badrinath shrine and 46 types at the Kedarnath shrine. Fees are applicable for participation in these specific rituals. Revised Puja Fee Rates at Badrinath Temple
Puja | Previous Rates | New Rates (in Rupees)
Mahabhishek | 4,700 | 5,500
Abhishek | 4,500 | 5,300
Kheer Bhog | 100 | 12,100
Akhand Jyoti (Daily) | 1,500 | 2,100
Akhand Jyoti (Annual) | 4,951 | 6,000
Veda & Gita Path | 2,500 | 3,100
Srimad Bhagavat Katha | 51,000 | 1,00,000
Camphor Aarti | 1,951 | 3,000
Silver Aarti | 2,731 | 5,100
Gold Aarti | 5,202 | 6,100
Bal Bhog | 730 | 10,000
Mahabhog | 3,250 | 14,500
Revised Puja Fee Rates at Kedarnath Temple
Puja | Previous Rates | New Rates (in Rupees)
Mahabhishek | 9,500 | 11,500
Rudrabhishek | 7,200 | 7,500
Laghu Rudrabhishek | 6,100 | 7,100
Bal Bhog | 1,000 | 1,500
Shiva Sahasranama | 2,000 | 2,500
Akhand Jyoti (Daily) | 3,800 | 5,100
Full-Day Puja | 28,600 | 51,000
Camphor Aarti | 1,900 | 2,400
Akhand Jyoti | 28,600 | 35,000
As is the practice every year, new fee rates for special pujas have been established following a decision made during the Board meeting of the BKTC (Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee). These rates will come into effect starting from the upcoming Char Dham Yatra season. It is important to note that no fee of any kind is charged to devotees for *Darshan* (viewing of the deity) at either of the two shrines
