Dateline Dehradun: Following tradition, announcing the dates for the opening of the portals of the world-famous Char Dhams begins with Basant Panchami. In 2022, the four famous shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath will open to pilgrims in the first week of May.
Calling Chardham Yatra “the center of our faith,” ex-chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat flagged off last years pilgrimage in the second week of May. For each State government the Chardham Yatra is seen as a litmus test that decides the government’s competency and capability. This significant annual event adds to the economy of the hill-state as over 30% of the state’s GDP depends on tourism, including spiritual tourism such as this event.
Year after year the State machinery goes on over-drive mode to facilitate pilgrims by making adequate arrangement for drinking water, sanitation, sign-age, landslips along with other basic facilities enroute to the four shrines and those off-beat as well. With mandatory photometric registration of each devotee at Rishikesh’s Chardham Yatra terminal from 15th April. Instructions have been given by Garhwal Commissioner Sushil Kumar to the Public Works Department to clear snow enroute to the Dhams, Jal Sansthan has been asked to repair water tanks. Border Road Organisation and National Highways Authority of India need to ensure that roads are pothole-free with ample parking arrangements. Just a few ‘must-do’ for the State administration with over two months to go.
For Uttarakhand, a State that thrives on tourism, two years of pandemic have hit home hard. With recent relaxation in covid protocol, the State hopes to have a successful run hoping for a phenomenal increase in the number of devotees making their way to Devbhoomi, during the Chardham Yatra.
Chardham Opening dates:
Yamunotri : 3rd May
Gangotri : 3rd May
Kedarnath: 6th May
Badrinath : 5th May
Off-the-beaten-track temples:
Rudranath: 19th May
Watch this space for more updates.
