With the closure of the Badrinath shrine, the doors of all four shrines have been closed for the winter season, i.e., for six months. Despite natural disasters, the Chardham Yatra has set a new record this year. This year, 4.35 lakh more pilgrims participated in the pilgrimage compared to last year.
Last year, a total of 46 lakh 69 thousand 74 pilgrims came on the Chardham Yatra, while this year, this figure has reached a record 51 lakh 4 thousand 975. Kedarnath has received the highest number of pilgrims at 17 lakh 68 thousand 795.
Similarly, 16 lakh 60 thousand 224 devotees visited Badrinath, 7 lakh 57 thousand 10 at Gangotri, and 6 lakh 44 thousand 505 at Yamunotri. For the first time, the number of pilgrims at Hemkund Sahib has reached 2 lakh 74 thousand 441. Previously, in 2023, 164,546 pilgrims and in 2024, 185,972 pilgrims visited Hemkunt Sahib to pay obeisance.
Preparations for the Winter Pilgrimage Intensify
With the closure of the doors of Badrinath Dham, preparations for the winter pilgrimage have intensified. The worship of Lord Badri Vishal will now take place at the winter retreats of Pandukeshwar and the Lord Narasimha Temple in Jyotirmath. The winter worship of Baba Kedarnath will take place at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, the worship of Mother Ganga (Gangotri) will take place at Mukhba, and the worship of Mother Yamuna (Yamunotri) will take place at Kharsali. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, emphasizing the need to further strengthen the winter pilgrimage arrangements, has directed officials to strengthen accommodation, transportation, and security arrangements at the winter retreats of the four Dhams and all other major tourist destinations.
Despite the year being fraught with challenges, more pilgrims have arrived on the Char Dham Yatra this year compared to last year. The safety of pilgrims has always been our top priority. Previously, facilities were limited. Along with robust accommodations, all other amenities have been expanded. Following the reconstruction of Kedarnath under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream project, passenger amenities have increased. Now, preparations for the winter pilgrimage are also focusing on passenger amenities and safety.
