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Char Dham Yatra 2023: Embracing Tradition Amid New Restrictions
Pilgrims are gathering as temple processions and new entry restrictions mark the start of the annual Hindu pilgrimage season.
- On Sunday, April 19, 2026, the Char Dham Yatra commenced in Uttarakhand as ceremonial idols of Goddess Ganga and Goddess Yamuna arrived at their respective shrines. Gangotri Dham and Yamunotri Dham temples opened their doors to pilgrims today.
- Inaugurating the 2026 yatra in Rishikesh on Saturday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami prayed for a safe pilgrimage following a record influx of over 51 lakh visitors to the four shrines last year.
- For 45 temples, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee implemented entry restrictions requiring visitors to furnish an affidavit affirming faith in "Sanatan." Gangotri introduced a panchgavya requirement to ensure only those with "unshaken spirituality" visit.
- Reacting to the new norms, Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal stated those who "hurt the sentiments" of "Sanatan" should be barred, while Gangotri MLA Suresh Singh Chauhan described the sites as hubs of spirituality aimed at "weeding out non-believers."
- Police intensified surveillance to manage expected crowds, deploying State Disaster Response Force teams and 60 hand-held metal detectors at key locations. Authorities also implemented gadget-free zones around shrines to improve management and maintain pilgrimage sanctity.
12 Articles
12 Articles
The doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri are set to open today. The doors will open with due rituals, accompanied by chanting of mantras and chanting of slogans. Devotees embarking on the Char Dham Yatra have already departed from their respective destinations. Yesterday, Chief Minister Dhami flagged off the Char Dham Yatra from Rishikesh.
Char Dham Yatra 2023: Embracing Tradition Amid New Restrictions
The annual Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand begins with new restrictions on non-Hindus in some shrines. While Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath temples open, officials aim to ensure smooth management. Conditions include a faith affidavit for entry, and gadget restrictions around shrines to minimize disruptions.
Chardham Yatra 2026 begins; Gangotri temple opens; helicopter showers flowers on devotees
With Vedic chants, religious rituals, and chants of “Jai Maa Ganga,” the doors of Gangotri Dham were opened for devotees on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on April 19th, 2026. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami personally witnessed this divine moment. Thousands of pilgrims were present in the temple premises at the time of the opening of the doors. During this, chants of “Har Har Gange” and “Jai Maa Ganga” filled the entire Gangotri Dham. At 12…
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