As the sacred portals of Char Dham beckon pilgrims once again, the much-awaited announcement regarding online registration has finally arrived. Starting from April 10, devotees can embark on their spiritual journey by registering online for the revered Char Dham Yatra. This significant step marks the beginning of yet another season of faith, devotion, and pilgrimage in the Himalayan foothills.
The portals of Shri Gangotri and Shri Yamunotri temples are traditionally opened on Akshaya Tritiya. By Tuesday, April 9, the time for opening the Gangotri temple portals will also be decided, with preparations already completed by the Shri Panch Mandir Committee. The official website of the Tourism Department has provided dates for the opening of portals of Shri Badrinath, Shri Kedarnath, Shri Yamunotri, and Shri Hemkund Sahib temples, with the exception of Gangotri temple whose date remains unspecified.
This announcement will be made officially on Tuesday. The Tourism Department has informally decided to start registration for pilgrims visiting all four temples from April 10. Authorities have been instructed to ensure timely arrangements for electricity and water. Secretary to the Chief Minister, R. Meenakshi Sundaram, stated that all concerned departments have been directed to make necessary arrangements before the commencement of the pilgrimage.
The Energy Corporation has been instructed to strengthen electricity supply to all four temples. In addition to electricity supply, arrangements for street lighting will also be ensured. The Water Department will prepare standposts, water meters, and water supply networks along the entire Char Dham Yatra route. All approvals must be obtained and work finalized promptly. Loanivi has been directed to make arrangements concerning road conditions on time. Snow clearance work is ongoing in Kedarnath Dham, with major roads, temple premises, and helicopter routes already cleared.
However, some parts of the helicopter pad are still covered with about one and a half feet of snow. According to District Magistrate and Chief Executive Officer of Loanivi, Engineer Vinay Jhinkwan, snow clearance on the helicopter pad will commence in a few days. Main roads have been cleared for public access to facilitate travel. Here are the opening dates for the portals of Kedarnath-Badrinath Char Dham:
The portals of Kedarnath Dham will open for pilgrims at 7 a.m. on May 10. The portals of Badrinath Dham, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and located in Chamoli district, will open for pilgrims at the auspicious time of Brahma Muhurta on May 12.
The announcement regarding the opening dates of Badrinath Dham portals was made on Basant Panchami. Meanwhile, the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham will open on Akshaya Tritiya. Preparations are in full swing by the administration for the opening of portals for all four Dhams.
There is a possibility of a record number of tourists visiting Char Dham Yatra this time. In the 2023 pilgrimage, 54.82 lakh pilgrims visited the Char Dham Yatra, whereas in 2022, the number was 46.29 lakh. In 2021, 52.93 lakh pilgrims visited the four Dhams, while in 2020, the number was 33 lakh. In 2019, the number stood at 34.77 lakh.
Preparations at the department level for the Char Dham Yatra are complete. Once the time for opening the portals of Shri Gangotri Dham is determined, the announcement of opening the registration website will be made. All formalities related to registration have been completed.
