DEHRADUN: The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand continues to draw an overwhelming number of pilgrims, surpassing a remarkable milestone of 30 lakh visitors. As the journey unfolds, Kedarnath alone has witnessed the arrival of more than 10 lakh devotees, making it a significant pilgrimage site. The Director General of Police, Ashok Kumar, announced these astonishing figures, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to ensure a secure and seamless experience for the devotees.
The Uttarakhand police force is dedicated to facilitating a comfortable and secure Chardham Yatra for all the devotees. So far, an impressive number of over 30 lakh devotees have embarked on their spiritual quest by visiting Char Dham. To provide a breakdown of the numbers, the devotees' departures after visiting each revered site are as follows: Gangotri - 5,35,327; Yamunotri - 4,65,295; Kedarnath - 10,17,195; Badrinath - 8,98,221; and Hemkund Sahib - 88,455. Furthermore, Shri Kedarnath alone has attracted more than 10 lakh devotees, signifying its significance in the religious journey.
Precautionary Measures Ahead of the Monsoon Season: With the monsoon season approaching and the ongoing Char Dham Yatra in progress, the Uttarakhand government has taken proactive steps to ensure the safety of all participants. On Friday, June 17, a notice was issued, prohibiting all State services employees from going on strike for the next six months. This precautionary measure aims to maintain uninterrupted services during this crucial period. The official statement mentioned that, as per sub-article (1) of the article (3) of the Uttar Pradesh Essential Services Maintenance Act (1966), the Lieutenant Governor has forbidden strikes within the state services for the designated duration.
Infrastructure Development to Enhance the Pilgrimage Experience: To enhance the pilgrimage experience and cater to the increasing number of devotees, Chief Minister Dhami inaugurated the Registration Office cum Transit Camp for Char Dham Yatris in Rishikesh. This state-of-the-art facility, constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 22.25 crore, will serve as a crucial hub for pilgrims embarking on the Char Dham Yatra. The establishment of this facility showcases the government's commitment to providing modern amenities and streamlining the pilgrimage process.
The Sacred Char Dham Yatra: The Char Dham Yatra encompasses the four revered shrines of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These holy destinations hold profound religious significance and attract devotees from across the globe. The doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri were ceremoniously opened on April 22, coinciding with the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya. Subsequently, the doors of Kedarnath Dham welcomed devotees on April 25, followed by the opening of Badrinath Dham on April 27. The spiritual journey to these sacred sites continues to captivate the hearts of millions, offering solace, devotion, and a profound connection with the divine.
The Char Dham Yatra of 2023 has witnessed an overwhelming influx of over 30 lakh pilgrims, with Kedarnath emerging as the most sought-after destination. With stringent security measures and enhanced infrastructure, the authorities are committed to ensuring a safe and seamless pilgrimage experience for all devotees. The sacred Char Dham sites hold immense spiritual significance and continue to attract devotees who seek solace and divine blessings. As the journey progresses, the Char Dham Yatra promises to remain a remarkable testament to faith, devotion, and the eternal connection between humans and the divine.