Devotees heading to Kedarnath this Char Dham Yatra season can expect a far more organised darshan experience, due to a newly introduced token system designed to manage the massive influx of pilgrims.

With registrations already touching nearly 19 lakh, authorities have stepped in early to prevent overcrowding at one of Uttarakhand’s most visited shrines.

The new system assigns pilgrims specific time slots for temple entry, replacing long, unpredictable queues with a structured process. Instead of waiting for hours, devotees can now plan their visit around their allotted slot, making the journey less stressful and more efficient.

Officials say the move is already helping streamline crowd movement during peak footfall.

“The token system was introduced on April 21. Devotees are being made to stand in queues according to their tokens, as the footfall is quite high. All devotees are being lined up and allowed darshan one by one in an orderly and systematic manner. Arrangements within the temple premises are running smoothly, with entry through one gate where queues are formed, and exit through the exit gate,” says Vikas Pundir, Deputy SP.

Kedarnath sees lakhs of devotees every year, and the numbers continue to climb. Last year alone, over 51 lakh pilgrims visited the Char Dham shrines despite challenging weather conditions.

This year’s early registration surge indicates another record-breaking season, making crowd control a top priority for authorities.

Early visitors are already noticing the difference. Many say the system has significantly improved the overall experience, especially after completing the physically demanding trek.

Unnati, a pilgrim said, “I completed the Kedarnath trek yesterday and reached here. We stayed overnight and came for darshan in the morning. The arrangements here are very smooth and well-managed. The administration has been very supportive. We were able to have darshan comfortably. It was worth the wait.”