The Char Dham Yatra started on May 1, 2024, when the Kedarnath temple opened on Akshay Tritiya. Devotees celebrated with bhajans and chants of 'Har Har Mahadev,' and flowers were showered from helicopters. On May 10, the doors of Yamunotri and Gangotri Dham were opened, and the Badrinath shrine followed on May 12.
This annual pilgrimage attracts thousands of devotees each year, visiting the four holy shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in the Garhwal Himalayas. The temples remain closed during the winter for about six months and reopen from April/May to October/November. Online registration for this pilgrimage began last month on the tourism department's portal.
Due to the large number of devotees, the Uttarakhand police have issued guidelines urging everyone to register online before starting their journey. "Urging all devotees coming to Gangotri and Yamunotri to register themselves before coming. Also, do not plan your travel before the registration date," said Uttarkashi superintendent of police Arpan Yaduvanshi in a post on X.
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The Rudraprayag Police launched 'Operation Maryada' to maintain decency during the pilgrimage. They are cracking down on misconduct and the consumption of alcohol or drugs in the pilgrimage areas. Guptkashi Deputy Superintendent of Police Harshvardhini Suman stated, “Rudraprayag Police is committed to the smooth and safe journey of the devotees coming for the Shri Kedarnath Dham Yatra. Operation Maryada ensures effective action against those who behave indecently and consume intoxicants.”
Uttarakhand Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar requested police across the country not to send VIPs for the Char Dham Darshan until May 31 due to unexpected crowds.
The Char Dham Yatra is a significant spiritual journey in Hinduism, involving visits to the four sacred sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The term "Char Dham" translates to "four abodes," highlighting the religious importance of these destinations. The pilgrimage offers devotees a chance to seek blessings and immerse themselves in the spiritual heritage of Uttarakhand.
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