On Saturday, the opening of the Yamunotri temple doors for devotees as part of the revered Char Dham Yatra saw a massive surge of pilgrims, resulting in significant overcrowding along the hilly approach to Uttarakhand’s Yamunotri. This pilgrimage, which includes visits to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, is considered highly auspicious in Hinduism.
Many pilgrims endured lengthy queues for hours, expressing frustration over what they perceived as inadequate safety measures and crowd control by the authorities. Some recounted waiting on the narrow path for more than two hours, highlighting the lack of assistance from officials and insufficient parking facilities, which exacerbated the situation.
Amid the chaos, one devotee shared their apprehension about safety, stating, “We somehow entered the temple premises but were not sure whether we would come out alive or not,” echoing concerns about the management of the large crowds.
The Char Dham Yatra commenced on Friday, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, with the opening of the doors of Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Gangotri temples in the Garhwal Himalayas. While Yamunotri and Kedarnath opened their doors at 7 am, Gangotri followed suit at 12.25 pm, drawing a significant number of devotees to witness the sacred event.
Thousands of pilgrims gathered at the temple premises of Yamunotri, while approximately 10,000 devotees witnessed the opening of Kedarnath’s portals. Gangotri Dham, along with Kedarnath and Yamunotri Dham, welcomed devotees after a hiatus during the winter season.
The Char Dham Yatra, revered for its spiritual significance in Hinduism, spans from April-May to October-November, attracting lakhs of devotees annually to these sacred sites. However, the recent overcrowding and logistical challenges highlight the pressing need for improved crowd management measures to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims undertaking this revered pilgrimage.
