Char Dham Yatra
The Uttarakhand tourism department has commenced online registration for the revered ‘Char Dham Yatra’ on their portal from Monday. Pilgrims are invited to register on the official website between April 15 to embark on a journey to the sacred shrines.
The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand encompasses a pilgrimage to four temples: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. This year, the Yatra is scheduled to commence on May 10, with the opening of three shrines—Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Kedarnath. The doors of the Badrinath shrine will be open to devotees from May 12 onwards.
A significant pilgrimage in Hinduism, the Char Dham Yatra holds deep spiritual significance. Traditionally undertaken from April/May to October/November, it marks a journey of devotion and reverence.
Preparations for the Chardham Yatra are meticulously inspected, as evidenced by Chamoli District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana’s recent visit to the Badrinath Dham. He emphasized the completion of essential infrastructure tasks like sewer line repairs, route improvements, water and electricity provisions, street lighting enhancements, and vehicle parking facilities, along with the installation of signage for passenger convenience.
The high-altitude shrines remain closed for approximately six months annually, opening in the summer months (April or May) and closing with the onset of winter (October or November). The traditional belief dictates that the Char Dham Yatra should be completed in a clockwise direction, starting from Yamunotri, progressing to Gangotri, then to Kedarnath, and concluding at Badrinath.
The pilgrimage can be undertaken via road or air, with helicopter services available for convenience. Some devotees opt for a ‘Do Dham Yatra,’ visiting two shrines—Kedarnath and Badrinath—as part of their spiritual journey.
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