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Char Dham Yatra Resumes After 24-Hour Weather Halt: Officials

June 30, 2025, 10:45 am

The Char Dham Yatra resumed on Monday after it was suspended for 24 hours by heavy rain advisories, officials said. The suspension came on Sunday because of a cloudburst and landslides in Barkot, Uttarakhand, that killed two people and left seven workers missing.

Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey informed ANI, “The ban on Char Dham Yatra for 24 hours has been removed.” He further informed that District Magistrates on the Yatra route have been asked to check the weather and control the movement of vehicles accordingly.

Cloudburst Triggers Landslide, Claims Lives

The travel ban follows a cloudburst that caused a huge landslide in the area around Barkot, and two people were killed and seven others went missing. Rescue operations are underway to locate the missing workers.

The accident took place around four km past Paligad on the Yamunotri National Highway, close to Silai Band, reports Uttarkashi Police. Several agencies such as police, SDRF, NDRF, health services, and public works teams are engaged in the rescue operation that is underway.

Road Repairs Done, Power Restored Underway

Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya has confirmed improvement in re-establishing connectivity and power supply in the area. He informed ANI, “The washout that occurred due to a cloud burst prior to Silai Band on the Barkot-Yamunotri road of the district has been restored and the road has been smoothened, while the process of smoothening the other washout is underway.”

He added that the 33 KV power line has been restored and attempts are being made to repair the 11 KV line. Seven personnel are still missing, and the search is being continued with the assistance of NDRF, SDRF, Police, and Revenue teams.

Rain Lashes Chamba, Authorities Remain on Alert

Meanwhile, heavy rains were reported in several parts of Chamba town on Monday, prompting local authorities to remain on high alert. The weather continues to pose challenges for both pilgrims and rescue personnel.

Victims Identified as Workers from Nepal and Uttar Pradesh

The two deceased workers have been identified as Kewal Bisht, a 43-year-old from Karmamohani in Nepal’s Rajapur district, and Duje Lal, aged 55, from Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh.

The government is making every effort to provide security to the pilgrims and speed up the rescue and rehabilitation processes in the affected regions.

Uttarakhand: Badrinath Witnesses Decrease In Temperature Following Light Rainfall

June 9, 2024, 8:31 pm

The sacred town of Badrinath which is the home of Panch Badri temples, has witnessed a fall in temperature on Sunday, after light rainfall during midnight.

The part of Chota Char Dham and Char Dham has witnessed cold temperatures following light rainfall and snowfall in high mountains.

Meanwhile, the sacred Kedarnath Dham earlier saw huge influx of devotees, which exceeded more than 7 lakhs by June 6th.

In light of huge influx, Uttarakhand has made registration necessary for pilgrims, who come for Chardham Yatra.

Later on, May 22, state’s chief secretary Radha Raturi announced advisory for necessary registration.

The Char Dham circuit for Hindu pilgrimage comprises four locations: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

Usually, pilgrimage season peak in summer at Uttarakhand each year for the Char Dham Yatra.

Smooth Darshan Experience At Kedarnath Dham, Says Rudraprayag Police

June 2, 2024, 3:40 pm

Devotees visiting Kedarnath Dham during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra have been enjoying a smooth and seamless darshan experience, thanks to the efforts of the Rudraprayag police.

In an official statement on their X handle, the Rudraprayag police announced, “Today, on June 2, 2024, the devotees who reached Shri Kedarnath Dham are being smoothly given darshan by making them stand in queues.” They emphasized the deployment of security personnel to ensure cooperation and maintain safety, stating, “Security personnel are deployed at every point and a fixed distance in the line system for cooperation and security.”

The Rudraprayag Police also reminded devotees to complete their registration before embarking on the Kedarnath Dham Yatra. The Uttarakhand government has mandated registration for all pilgrims participating in the Char Dham Yatra. Chief Secretary Radha Raturi issued an advisory on May 22, making registration compulsory.

Offline registration has been discontinued in Haridwar and Rishikesh, requiring devotees to register online before beginning their pilgrimage. This measure aims to enhance the safety and convenience of pilgrims, according to an official release. Pilgrims are advised to adhere to their registered dates and follow the designated routes for their visits.

Tour and travel agencies organizing the trips are also responsible for ensuring that all passengers have registered. Chief Secretary Raturi has informed the Chief Secretaries of all states and union territories about the mandatory registration system implemented for the Char Dham Yatra.

“The Government of Uttarakhand has implemented a system of compulsory registration for all pilgrims intending to undertake the Char Dham Yatra. This measure aims to streamline the pilgrimage process and ensure the safety and convenience of the devotees,” stated Chief Secretary Raturi in her letter.

The Char Dham circuit, a significant Hindu pilgrimage, includes four sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The River Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand. Pilgrimage season peaks in Uttarakhand during the summers, attracting numerous devotees annually.

Record-breaking Pilgrim Influx Marks Start Of Char Dham Yatra Season

May 25, 2024, 11:39 am

The Char Dham Yatra has witnessed an extraordinary surge in pilgrim numbers at Yamunotri and Gangotri Dham within the first 15 days of the pilgrimage season. On Friday alone, 9,812 pilgrims visited Yamunotri Dham, while 13,602 made their way to Gangotri Dham. This influx has brought the total number of visitors to an impressive 3,63,537 since the pilgrimage season began, marking a significant increase compared to previous years.

In the same period in 2023, 1,97,413 pilgrims visited these sites, and in 2022, the number was 2,22,852. Despite the surge in pilgrims, the Char Dham Yatra has proceeded smoothly, thanks to meticulous planning and coordination by district authorities.

District Magistrate Dr Meherban Singh Bisht has played a crucial role in ensuring the pilgrimage runs efficiently. During his visits along the Gangotri Yatra route, he emphasized the importance of strict travel arrangements to officials, insisting that no person should be allowed to travel without registration. This focus on organization and safety has helped maintain order amid the large crowds.

Despite the increase in pilgrims and vehicles, the journey to the Dhams remains orderly. Vehicles are managed at holding points and one-way gates to prevent congestion. Adjustments in stopping places and timings have also helped streamline traffic flow, ensuring that pilgrimage times remain consistent with normal days.

The Char Dham Yatra, which began on May 10 this year, includes the sacred Hindu pilgrimage circuit of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Uttarkashi, home to Yamunotri and Gangotri, has been a focal point of devotion as pilgrims flock to these revered sites. The River Yamuna, originating from the Yamunotri Glacier, adds to the spiritual significance of the journey. The pilgrimage season for the Char Dham Yatra peaks annually during the summers in Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand: CM Dhami Reviews Char Dham Arrangements

May 22, 2024, 3:40 am

Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami on Tuesday reviewed the arrangements for the ongoing Char Dham Yatra. The review covered the provision of drinking water, electricity supply at makeshift tents, and measures to prevent forest fires in the state. The meeting, held at the secretariat, included the chief secretary and other senior officials.

The chief minister instructed his team to remain vigilant at all times and emphasized the importance of coordinating with officials to ensure a pleasant and safe journey for pilgrims. He stated that the government’s goal is to provide all necessary facilities for devotees visiting Devbhoomi. Chairing the review meeting, the CM highlighted that the Char Dham Yatra significantly boosts the state’s economy, noting the increasing number of devotees and pilgrims each year, “it is incumbent on all of us to cooperate in making the journey smooth and simple”.

“Continuous efforts are being made by the state government to bring further improvements to arrangements for the benefit of pilgrims,” the CM said, adding that the administrations of all districts along the Char Dham Yatra routes should work in coordination to enhance travel arrangements.

The CM reiterated that any necessary arrangements requested by the district administration for the benefit of Char Dham pilgrims should be prioritized. Special attention should be given to crowd management for the Yatra, ensuring that the number of devotees visiting the four Dhams is regulated.

For devotees entering Uttarakhand without proper registration and wishing to visit other religious and tourist destinations in the state, efforts should be made to ensure they reach their intended destinations. The CM directed officers to obtain timely feedback from devotees to address any shortcomings promptly.

Considering the onset of summer, the CM stressed the importance of ensuring adequate drinking water arrangements for the devotees. Senior officials responsible for drinking water should conduct field inspections to check on these arrangements. In areas with water shortages, tankers and other methods should be employed to provide water.

To ensure sufficient power supply during the intense summer, the CM instructed the three power utilities—UPCL, UJVNL, and Pitkul—to work in coordination to meet the state’s power requirements.

The CM also emphasized the importance of public awareness to prevent forest fires and encouraged the support of locals in this effort. Secretaries have been assigned to different districts to oversee forest fire prevention. They should conduct regular on-site inspections and be prepared to take immediate and effective measures to prevent fires. Strict action should be taken against those responsible for causing forest fires, and response times should be minimized.

Chief Secretary Radha Raturi, Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, Secretary and Commissioner Garhwal Vinay Shankar Pandey, and Director General of Information Banshidhar Tiwari, among other officials, attended the meeting.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Urges Devotees to Register Before Initiating Yatra

May 17, 2024, 4:03 pm

Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recently inspected the arrangements for the Char Dham Yatra along the Dobata and Palighat routes leading to Uttarkashi. During this inspection, he urged devotees planning to participate in the yatra not to commence their journey without prior registration.

Speaking to the media, CM Dhami acknowledged a significant increase in the number of tourists undertaking the Char Dham Yatra compared to previous years. This surge in footfall led to temporary halts along the pilgrimage route. However, Dhami expressed satisfaction that the yatra has now resumed smoothly. He mentioned meeting several devotees who completed their journey without encountering any difficulties.

Dhami emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and fulfilling experience for every devotee undertaking the yatra. He urged all devotees to register beforehand, highlighting that arriving without registration can create challenges for both individuals and the administrative system.

Dr. Vishakha Ashok Bhadane, SP Rudraprayag, echoed CM Dhami’s sentiments, noting that many devotees were arriving for the Char Dham Yatra without prior registration. She emphasized the importance of registration, especially for those intending to visit Shri Kedarnath Dham, as it enables a more organized and hassle-free pilgrimage experience.

The Char Dham Yatra is a revered pilgrimage encompassing four holy sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, situated in Uttarakhand. The term “Char Dham” translates to “four abodes” in Hindi, signifying the spiritual significance of these destinations. Devotees undertake this journey seeking blessings and spiritual fulfillment, making it one of the most significant religious pilgrimages in India.

Char Dham Yatra 2024 Begins: PM Modi Extends Warm Wishes To Devotees

May 10, 2024, 4:12 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his best wishes to devotees as the revered Char Dham Yatra commenced in Uttarakhand’s Devbhoomi. This annual pilgrimage, known for its spiritual significance, involves a journey to four sacred shrines and draws thousands of pilgrims seeking blessings and spiritual rejuvenation.

In a social media post, PM Modi conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the devotees embarking on the sacred journey to the Char Dham shrines, particularly Baba Kedarnath Dham. He emphasized the profound spiritual and cultural experience that the pilgrimage offers, revitalizing the faith and devotion of the participants.

This year’s Char Dham Yatra is marked by the reopening of Kedarnath Dham after a six-month closure. The pilgrimage season commenced with the ceremonial reopening of the shrine, with the first puja dedicated to Prime Minister Modi, signifying the official start of the pilgrimage.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, partaking in the ceremonial rituals, extended warm greetings to all pilgrims and prayed for their safety and fulfilling journey throughout the Char Dham Yatra. He highlighted the significant efforts undertaken for the redevelopment of Baba Kedar temple in phases under PM Modi’s leadership.

The doors of Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri were opened on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya, while Badrinath Dham’s doors will open on May 12. These high-altitude shrines, closed during the winter months, witness a surge of devotees during the pilgrimage season, symbolizing the deep-rooted spiritual beliefs among Hindus.

The Char Dham Yatra holds immense importance in Hinduism, emphasizing the tradition of visiting these four holy sites in a clockwise direction as part of the spiritual journey. Pilgrims have the option to complete the yatra by road or utilize helicopter services, with some opting for a Do Dham Yatra, visiting Kedarnath and Badrinath, as per Uttarakhand tourism guidelines.

Overall, the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra signifies a time of spiritual devotion and cultural significance for devotees embarking on this sacred pilgrimage in the lap of the Himalayas.

Char Dham Yatra Online Registration Opens

April 15, 2024, 3:09 pm

Online registration for the ‘Char Dham Yatra’ commenced on Monday via the tourism department’s portal, as stated by the Uttarakhand tourism department. Pilgrims are able to register on the official website starting April 15 to visit the sacred shrines.

The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand involves a pilgrimage to four sacred temples: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. This year, the Char Dham Yatra is set to commence on May 10, with the opening of Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Kedarnath shrines. The Badrinath shrine will open its doors on May 12.

The Char Dham Yatra is deeply significant in Hinduism, typically taking place from April or May to October or November. Recently, Chamoli District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana inspected the preparations at Badrinath Dham for the upcoming Char Dham Yatra.

The District Magistrate directed the officials to ensure that sewer line repairs, enhancements of internal pathways, and provisions for water, electricity, street lighting, and vehicle parking are completed before the commencement of the Yatra. Additionally, appropriate signage should be installed to facilitate passenger convenience.

The high-altitude shrines are closed for about six months annually, opening in the summer months (April or May) and closing as winter approaches (October or November). It is a common belief that the Char Dham Yatra should be undertaken in a clockwise direction, starting at Yamunotri, then proceeding to Gangotri, followed by Kedarnath, and culminating at Badrinath.

The journey may be undertaken by road or air, with helicopter services available. Some pilgrims opt for the ‘Do Dham Yatra,’ a pilgrimage to the two sacred shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Shah chairs high-level meeting to assess readiness for Amarnath Yatra

June 9, 2023, 6:02 pm

On Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting over the preparedness for the 62-day-long Amarnath Yatra, which will begin on 1 July and continue till 31 August.

The meeting was attended by several officers, including Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Ajay Bhalla, the Union Home Secretary, Tapan Deka, the Intelligence Bureau chief, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GoC-in-C) of the Northern Command, Upendra Dwivedi, and SL Thaosen, the Director General of CRPF.

After the successful conduct of the G20 tourism working group meeting in Srinagar, the Jammu and Kashmir administration shifted its focus on the arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra amid intelligence inputs of possible attempts by Pakistan-based terror outfits to disrupt the pilgrimage.

Char Dham attracts over 20 lakh devotees, says Uttarakhand govt

June 4, 2023, 3:27 pm

According to authorities on Sunday, the ongoing Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has witnessed over 20 lakh devotees visiting the Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri shrines, with registrations from over 40 lakh pilgrims for the Yatra.

According to the government, a maximum of 7.13 lakh devotees have visited Baba KedarNath since the yatra started on 17 May, 2023.

Earlier, Uttarakhand Police said the number of pilgrims who went on the Char Dham Yatra had crossed 15 lakh as of 27 May.

These included 3,12,422 from Gangotri, 2,82,857 from Yamunotri, 5,37,065 from Kedarnath, 4,39,782 from Badrinath, and 8,551 from Hemkund Sahib, as per the government officials statements.

The Char Dham Yatra began on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya on 22 April.

Char Dham Yatra: Two pilgrims die due to heart attack

April 24, 2023, 5:35 pm

On Monday, two persons died of a heart attack in Uttarakhand’s Yamnotri during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, as per the officials statement.

“The Chardham Yatra pilgrims are disregarding the warning that the Uttarakhand government has issued about the Chardham Yatra. The government has issued health advisories for the travellers, however due to neglect, pilgrims have perished in Yamunotri Dham for the second day in a row. Two people have already passed away in Yamnotri from heart attacks, according to the statement. The Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra pilgrims have been encouraged by the authorities to have a complete physical examination before beginning the yatra. The health screening form should be filled out simultaneously with a thorough health checkup, especially for the old, unwell, and pilgrims above the age of 55, it noted.

Uttarakhand govt issues health advisory for Char Dham Yatra

April 19, 2023, 5:29 pm

The secretary of the state health department, Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, has issued a health advisory for pilgrims as the Char Dham Yatra is scheduled to begin in Uttarakhand in three days. With the growing effects of Corona and the climate in the high Himalayan region, the health advisory has been issued.

All of the pilgrimage sites are reportedly located in the high Himalayan region, which is more than 2,700 metres above sea level, according to official rules. Extreme cold, low humidity, intense UV radiation, low air pressure, and low oxygen content can all have an impact on travellers in those areas.

Therefore, the guidelines (Health Advisory) should be followed for a smooth and safe journey for all the pilgrims. Some of the guidelines issued by the government include a thorough health check-up before proceeding with the Yatra. People with pre-existing illnesses should carry adequate supplies of prescribed medicines, along with prescriptions and contact details of their respective physicians.

For senior citizens and people with comorbidities, or for those who have suffered from COVID-19, the government advises postponing or not undertaking the pilgrimage. “Senior citizens, people with comorbidities, and those who have suffered from COVID-19 in the past should consider postponing or not undertaking the pilgrimage,” said the advisory.

“Patients suffering from heart diseases, respiratory ailments, diabetes, and hypertension should be extra cautious while undertaking travel to high altitudes,” added the government health advisory. People who witness headaches, drowsiness, and nausea-like symptoms during the yatra are advised to seek immediate medical assistance.

Char Dham Yatra begins on 22 April, the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya. The doors of Kedarnath Dham will open for devotees on 25 April, and those of Badrinath Dham on 27 April.

Uniform Civil Code is essential for the nation: CM Dhami

December 22, 2022, 6:27 pm

Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday discussed the necessity of Uniform Civil Code for the state. He stated that the UCC is not only essential for Uttarakhand but for the entire country as it promises equality to all. He declared that the government’s committee is working closely with the stakeholders and taking feedback before making the draft, soon after which the law will be implemented

While addressing the India News Manch Conclave, CM Dhami thanked the people of Uttarakhand for breaking the seesaw pattern in the state politics. For many years, Congress and BJP used to rule the state in alternative tenures but in 2022, BJP was re-elected in power.

Dhami, on being asked about his way of interacting with people, said, “In my opinion, we are the representatives of the common people but as we step into politics, generally, a gap occurs between us. So, discussing issues with the people by visiting them gives crucial feedbacks. I am a firm believer of the idea that one can only represent the people by being among the people. We take the feedbacks and try to resolve the common issues as closely as possible.”
He further briefed on the steps the Uttarakhand government is taking to improve the growth of the state’s tourism industry as it is one of the major part of the economy. Dhami said, “We are constantly promoting home-stays and till now more than 4000 home-stays have been registered. This is one of the major sources of living for us. People of other states living in our home-stays will also help them connect with our culture. For better tourism, we are constructing better roads. Under the guidance of PM Modi, connectivity of Uttarakhand with nearby states is improving. Various bypasses and all weather roads are being constructed and the air connectivity is improving.”
CM Dhami denied the Opposition’s claim of Uttarakhand’s declining economy and said, “Opposition needs to say something or the other; we are constantly improving. State’s growth rate has jumped from – 5 to 7.5, that too after Covid. We are gradually succeeding and we aim to be one of India’s most successful states by 2025.”

Detailing the government’s efforts in the field of education, he said, “Our cabinet has decided to issue free books to the students of class 9th -12th. We are among the first few states of the nation to implement the new education policy. We know the importance of education as it will create the future of our youth therefore we are working precisely on the betterment of education opportunities.”

Talking about the challenge of managing the crowd of people as the Char Dham Yatra was reopened after two years; he said that the government is constantly working in the field of health, medical emergency, road connectivity, etc to ensure a better experience for the people.”
He opposed forced religious conversions and said that less educated people easily get brainwashed in such incidents. In Uttarakhand, several such cases came to the light. The government is working on the issue and trying to introduce a law against this. He also ensured the government’s strict actions against love jihad.
Dhami further commented on Kharge’s derogatory comment on PM Modi and said that there is a competition in the opposition on who can use the most derogatory words for PM and it shows their culture. He termed Rahul Gandhi’s comment on soldiers as crime.