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Record 12 Lakh Pilgrims Join Char Dham Yatra in Just One Month

The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has seen a record surge with over 12.62 lakh pilgrims visiting in less than a month. Daily footfall has reached 80,000, with Kedarnath attracting the most devotees at over five lakh. Authorities have reported 40 pilgrim deaths so far, all attributed to health-related issues. For the first time, non-Hindus must submit an affidavit affirming faith in Sanatan Dharma to enter three shrines.

Key Points: Record 12 Lakh Pilgrims on Char Dham Yatra

  • Over 12.62 lakh pilgrims visited Char Dham in under a month
  • Daily footfall reaches 70,000-80,000
  • 40 pilgrim deaths reported from health causes
  • Restrictions imposed on non-Hindu entry to three shrines
2 min read

Uttarakhand: More than 12 lakh pilgrims undertake Char Dham Yatra in less than a month

Over 12.62 lakh pilgrims visited Char Dham shrines in less than a month. Daily footfall hits 80,000, with 40 deaths reported from health issues.

"For the first time, restrictions have been imposed on the entry of non-Hindus to three shrines -- Badrinath, Kedarnath and Gangotri. - Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee"

Dehradun, May 15

The Char Dham Yatra, one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Hindus, is witnessing a record surge in the number of devotees visiting the four holy shrines -- Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

Devotees are arriving in droves, with as many as 80,000 in a single day. The pilgrimage committee has pegged the total number of pilgrims visiting the Char Dham at 12.62 lakh till May 14. Notably, the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri temples were opened on April 19 amid the chanting of Vedic hymns, while those of Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines opened on April 22 and April 23.

According to available estimates, more than 12.62 lakh pilgrims have undertaken the Char Dham Yatra, with daily footfall hovering around 70,000 to 80,000.

An entry of over 1.21 lakh vehicles was also recorded, indicating the number of pilgrims arriving in their private cars.

On May 13, more than 13,000 devotees offered prayers at Yamunotri and Gangotri Dham each, over 32,000 at Kedarnath, and over 21,000 at Badrinath Dham. The figure, cumulatively, accounted for 80,405 pilgrims.

Out of 12.62 lakh in total, over two lakh devotees visited Yamunotri and Gangotri each, while more than five lakh reached Kedarnath and over three lakh paid obeisance at Badrinath Dham.

A total of 40 pilgrim deaths have been reported so far, the reasons being attributed to health-related causes. The break-up of fatalities stood at 22 at Kedarnath, followed by seven at Badrinath, six at Yamunotri, and five at Gangotri.

No deaths resulting from any other causes or natural disasters have been reported.

For the first time, restrictions have been imposed on the entry of non-Hindus to three shrines -- Badrinath, Kedarnath and Gangotri. The Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee, in a sort of relaxation, stated that non-Hindus must submit an affidavit affirming faith in Sanatan Dharma for entry.

Last year, more than 50 lakh pilgrims had visited the Char Dham.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohan X
The restriction on non-Hindus is a bit extreme. While I respect our traditions, spirituality shouldn't be gatekept. Faith is personal - if someone genuinely wants to experience the dham, why stop them? Just my two paise.
K
Kavya N
Had the privilege of doing the Yatra last year. The sheer devotion of people is incredible. But please, if you're going this season, carry oxygen cylinders and warm clothes - the weather can turn nasty. Safety first! 🚩
S
Siddharth J
12.62 lakh pilgrims already? Wow! But the government should focus on waste management too. Last year I saw plastic bottles everywhere near Kedarnath. We need a proper eco-friendly system.
M
Meera T
The Char Dham Yatra is not just a pilgrimage, it's a test of endurance. My father completed it at 68 last year - absolute inspiration. But 80,000 in a single day might be too much for the infrastructure. Let's hope the committee manages well.

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