Dateline Dehradun: Following tradition, the dates for the opening of the portals of the world-famous Chardham shrines has been declared. The famous shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath will open in the second week of May, including the Sikh pilgrimage site of Hemkund.
Last year, due to the pandemic, Chardham Yatra was stalled and subsequently opened on July 1, 2020. To make the most of Chardham pilgrimage this year, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat stated, “Chardham of Uttarakhand is the center of our faith.” Working on war footing, the State machinery is on over-drive mode to facilitate the pilgrimage with adequate arrangement for drinking water, sanitation, sign-age along with other basic facilities enroute.
Tirath Singh Rawat laid stress on arranging water ATMs and water tankers on travel routes. Posting of cardiologists in Kedarnath and Yamunotri along with oxygen cylinders, ICUs and ventilators. Installation of streetlights along the Hemkund route. Commercial vehicles on yatra route to ply with fitness-certificate, fixed rate list for vehicles and hotels along the pilgrimage route. Strict action against those who over-rating are some of the points highlighted by the Chief Minister and his team of officials are leaving no stone-unturned to ensure that all falls into place before May.
Chardham Yatra is one of the major sources of income for a State that thrives on spiritual tourism. This time around with the Mahakumbh in April followed by the Chardham pilgrimage in May, the State is looking at a rapid increase in devotees making their way to ‘Devbhoomi.’ A move welcomed by the Hoteliers Association, “It’s essential for the economy of our state. Over 30 % of the states GDP is from tourism , the governments finances as well as lively hood of millions is dependent on it,” says Sandeep Sahni, President Uttarakhand Hotel Association.
Chardham Opening dates:
Yamunotri : 14th May
Gangotri : 14th May
Kedarnath: 17th May
Badrinath : 18th May
Off-the-beaten-track temples:
Rudranath: 17th May
Madmaheshwar: 24th May
Hemkund Sahib: 10th May
