Kedarnath: A major uproar broke out at the Kedarnath temple on May 1, 2026, when priests and local devotees protested against the system of VIP darshan.
The protest was directed at Hemant Dwivedi, Chief Executive Officer of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), with slogans raised against him.
A fresh video from Kedarnath shows tirth purohits protesting against BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi, raising slogans and expressing anger over temple management.
The protest is centered around the growing VIP culture inside the shrine, with priests alleging that preferential… pic.twitter.com/U3Fr73r1NP
— Kumaon Jagran (@KumaonJagran) May 1, 2026
The controversy
The dispute began after reports that corporate groups were being given special VIP access to the temple, allegedly under arrangements linked to the Adani Group. Priests claimed this practice was unfair to ordinary devotees who wait for hours in long queues. They argued that Kedarnath’s sanctity should not be compromised for commercial interests.
The protest
Priests and local residents gathered outside the temple, chanting slogans and demanding an end to VIP darshan. They accused Hemant Dwivedi of favoring private groups and undermining the traditions of the pilgrimage. The protest coincided with International Workers’ Day, adding symbolic weight to their demand for equality.
Social media reaction
The issue quickly spread on social media, where videos of the protest were widely shared. Many users criticized the commercialization of Kedarnath, saying that the temple belongs to all devotees equally. Others argued that VIP darshan has existed for decades and helps manage crowd flow, but the scale of corporate involvement raised new concerns.
Background of the project
Reports suggest that the VIP arrangements were linked to a corporate hospitality project being developed near Kedarnath. The project, reportedly involving the Adani Group, has faced criticism for its impact on local traditions and the environment. Priests fear that such initiatives could turn Kedarnath into a commercial hub rather than a sacred pilgrimage site.
Voices from the temple
Priests emphasized that Kedarnath’s sanctity must be preserved. They said that while honoring donors and dignitaries is part of tradition, giving large-scale VIP privileges to corporate groups is unacceptable. Local leaders also warned that such practices could reduce trust among ordinary pilgrims.
Administration’s response
The BKTC has not yet issued a detailed statement, but officials indicated that arrangements were made to manage the heavy influx of pilgrims. They denied allegations of favoritism, saying that VIP darshan is limited and regulated. However, the protests have forced authorities to reconsider the system.