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Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand

The pilgrimage to the Char Dham in Uttarakhand is currently in full swing, attracting devotees from across the nation to visit the sacred sites of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The state government is warmly welcoming a significant number of pilgrims arriving for this spiritual journey. Amid ongoing tensions in the country, officials are working diligently to reassure the public regarding safety protocols.

On Saturday, Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that over four lakh devotees have visited the four shrines in just the past nine days. He remarked, "Every year, a large number of pilgrims come to the divine land of Uttarakhand for the Char Dham Yatra." He emphasized that the government is continuously striving to make the pilgrimage smooth, safe, and well-organized.

The Char Dham Yatra officially commenced on April 30, 2025, coinciding with Akshaya Tritiya, marked by Vedic chants and rituals as the doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri opened. The doors of Kedarnath were opened on May 2, followed by Badrinath on May 4, following traditional ceremonies.

Earlier on Tuesday, an official reported a 24-hour ban on the use of horses and mules for the Kedarnath pilgrimage due to reports of several animal deaths. The Secretary of Animal Husbandry in Uttarakhand, B.V.R.C. Purushottam, stated, "Yesterday, eight horses and mules died, and today six more have passed away. We are investigating the cause. A team from the center will arrive tomorrow to look into the matter."

Additionally, on May 3, CM Dhami reiterated that ensuring the safe travel of pilgrims to the Kedarnath temple is the government's top priority. The administration has provided quick health services and deployed specialist doctors to enhance healthcare facilities. Given that Rudraprayag district is highly sensitive to disasters, a separate mobile network has been established in the area. Pilgrims visiting Kedarpuri will now also have access to free Wi-Fi, which has been met with gratitude from the visitors towards the government and local administration.