The annual Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand continues to witness remarkable momentum this year, with over 40 lakh pilgrims visiting the sacred shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The Chief Minister’s office reported that on October 14 alone, 27,789 pilgrims participated in the yatra, with Kedarnath receiving the highest footfall of 11,309 devotees. Badrinath saw 6,644 visitors, Gangotri 2,406, and Yamunotri 3,290.
According to the official data, a total of 40,92,360 pilgrims have undertaken the Char Dham pilgrimage so far, reflecting a strong resurgence of spiritual enthusiasm among devotees. The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, acknowledged the challenges posed by heavy rains on July 31, which disrupted the Kedarghati area, severely affecting the footpath to Kedarnath. However, he emphasized the government’s swift efforts in restoring the yatra trail and resuming the pilgrimage promptly.
With the closure of the four Dhams scheduled next month, the state government remains dedicated to ensuring a smooth, safe, and well-organized pilgrimage experience. Chief Minister Dhami reiterated the importance of the Char Dham Yatra to Uttarakhand’s economy, which sees a significant boost from the influx of pilgrims. Plans are underway to enhance travel arrangements and infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of devotees in future years.
Despite setbacks from natural disasters, the resilience of both the government and pilgrims has been noteworthy. As of September 30, 37,91,205 pilgrims had already visited the Char Dham. In comparison, last year saw a record-breaking 56.13 lakh pilgrims during the entire yatra period, while 46.29 lakh came in 2022. Pre-pandemic figures in 2019 were 34.77 lakh, but numbers dropped drastically during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, with just 3.30 lakh and 5.29 lakh pilgrims, respectively.
This year’s Char Dham Yatra commenced on May 10, later than the previous year’s opening on April 23 for Gangotri and Yamunotri. The pilgrimage to Kedarnath began on April 25, and Badrinath on April 27 in 2022. With this year’s yatra continuing until November, the surge in spiritual tourism highlights the enduring devotion of pilgrims and the state’s efforts to preserve the sanctity and accessibility of the revered shrines.
As Uttarakhand moves closer to the closing of the shrines for winter, the government continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of all pilgrims, ensuring a spiritually fulfilling experience at these sacred sites.
