Char Dham Yatra Begins As People Flock To Gangotri, Yamunotri Temples On Akshay Tritiya

Around 6,000 police personnel, along with 17 companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and 10 companies of paramilitary forces, have been deployed on the Yatra routes for security.

Uttarakhand has officially flagged off the Char Dham Yatra on Wednesday with the opening of the sacred Gangotri and Yamunotri temples in the Garhwal Himalayas for devotees on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya.

After the opening of both temples, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami visited and performed a puja, praying for the well-being and prosperity of all. "We wait for this day throughout the year, and it has finally arrived. Char Dham Yatra is like a grand festival for us. Security of pilgrims is our priority," PTI quoted him as saying.

Committees running the affairs of the temples stated that the gates of Gangotri were opened at 10.30 am and Yamunotri at 11.55 am while traditional rituals were being performed.

Kedarnath And Badrinath Dhams To Open In First Week Of May

However, the other two Dhams, Kedarnath and Badrinath, are scheduled to open on May 2 and May 4. The four temples remain shut for almost six months during winter.

In response to provide security to pilgrims, around 6,000 police personnel, along with 17 companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and 10 companies of paramilitary forces, have been deployed on the Yatra routes.

In addition, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel have also been positioned in over 65 accident-affected areas.

According to officials, over 22 lakh devotees from India and abroad have already registered for this year's Char Dham Yatra. Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee media in-charge Harish Gaur stated that the total number of pilgrims this year is expected to hit a record 60 lakh.

In comparison, last year saw 48 lakh pilgrims undertake the Yatra, despite a two-week disruption caused by damage to the Kedarnath trek route due to heavy rainfall.