As per the latest news reports, the portals of three revered Himalayan shrines – Badrinath Dham, Kedarnath Dham, and Gangotri Dham – are all set to open doors for pilgrims, marking the beginning of Uttarakhand’s Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage.
While the portals of Sri Badrinath Dham will open on May 12, 6 AM, Shri Kedarnath Dham will open its portal two days earlier, on May 10, at 7 AM. Pilgrims from all corners of the country are anticipated to gather at this sacred destination to seek blessings and perform rituals.
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On the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, the gates of Shri Gangotri Dham will be opened. This revered site is the origin of the holy river Ganga, and its temple, standing at a height of 20 ft, features intricate carvings on white granite. Gangotri, nestled in the upper reaches of the state amid the towering, snow-capped Himalayas, witnesses heavy snowfall between December and March.
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The Char Dham Yatra, comprising the pilgrimage to the four sacred sites of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, holds profound spiritual significance in Hinduism. This journey typically occurs from April/May to October/November, depending on weather conditions. The portals of these Himalayan temples, visited by millions annually, are closed during the winter due to heavy snowfall.
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Every year, thousands of devotees head out on this demanding journey, seeking spiritual purification and divine blessings. Ajendra Ajay, Chairman of the Badrinath-Kedarnath temple committee, has expressed plans to allocate sufficient funds in the upcoming budget for passenger facilities, aiming to accommodate an even larger number of devotees this year.
Registration for Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham is currently underway, with Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham registration scheduled to commence after the formal announcement of their door openings. Devotees can register online through the official website www.registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in or via WhatsApp at 8394833833 by typing ‘yatra’ or calling the toll-free number 01351364.
Here’s how to register online:
- Visit the official website www.registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
- Click the Register/Log-in button.
- Enter all the required details in the form on the new window.
- Verify your identity via OTP verification using your mobile number and email provided.
- Log in using your mobile number and password after verification.
- Access your personalised dashboard and click on the Add/Manage Pilgrims or Tourists button.
- Provide all necessary tour details such as type, name, dates, and number of tourists.
- Upload scanned copies of valid photo ID proofs such as Voter card, Aadhar card, or driving license.
- Upon successful registration, you’ll receive a unique registration number (URN) via SMS confirming your mobile number.
- Download the registration letter for the Chardham Yatra, which will be required during your journey.
Opening dates of the doors:
- Kedarnath: May 10, 2024
- Badrinath: May 12, 2024
The dates for the door openings of Gangotri and Yamunotri are yet to be announced.
