नवीनतम
Uttarakhand prepares for Char Dham Yatra 2026
NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The much-anticipated Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is set to commence this Saturday, marking the beginning of the annual pilgrimage season that draws thousands of devotees from across the country. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is scheduled to flag off a fleet of 10 buses in Rishikesh, destined for the revered Yamunotri and Gangotri Dham shrines. These buses will transport the first group of pilgrims who will witness the traditional opening of the doors to these sacred sites on April 19.
As of now, registration numbers for the pilgrimage are impressive, with approximately 18.25 lakh (1.825 million) devotees already signed up for the Char Dham Yatra. This is a significant turnout, although slightly lower than last year, when around 23 lakh (2.3 million) devotees registered for the pilgrimage.
To accommodate more pilgrims, offline registration counters have been established in both Rishikesh and Haridwar, operational since Thursday. Notably, the first 100 pilgrims, hailing from Madhya Pradesh (specifically Shahdol), were successfully registered, with plans to visit both Yamunotri and Gangotri.
The official start of the pilgrimage coincides with Akshaya Tritiya on April 19, a day deemed highly auspicious in the Hindu calendar. The Gangotri and Yamunotri temples, situated in the picturesque Uttarkashi district, will formally open their doors to devotees this Sunday. Following this, the Kedarnath temple in Rudraprayag is set to open on April 22, while the Badrinath shrine in Chamoli will welcome pilgrims starting April 23.
Authorities anticipate a busy season ahead, promoting both the spiritual significance and the scenic beauty of the Himalayan shrines. The Char Dham Yatra is not just a journey of faith but also a chance for devotees to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Uttarakhand's majestic mountains.
Preparedness and safety measures are being put in place to ensure a smooth experience for devotees during the pilgrimage. The Uttarakhand government has called upon all officials and agencies involved to facilitate the smooth operation of the Yatra and ensure the safety of the pilgrims.
This year’s Char Dham Yatra promises to be a vibrant celebration of faith, tradition, and the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas, with thousands expected to make their sacred journey to these iconic shrines.
