Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi or the Land of the Gods, is a popular destination for devotees who visit its many temples and religious sites throughout the year. One of the most important pilgrimages in Uttarakhand is the Char Dham Yatra, which involves visiting four sacred places: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
The Char Dham Yatra for the year 2024 in Uttarakhand is scheduled to start on May 10. Devotees who are eager to embark on this spiritual journey have been actively registering online. However, all the available spots for registration until May have already been filled, with a staggering 1.6 million devotees securing their places for the pilgrimage.
To ensure a smooth and organized experience for the pilgrims, the Uttarakhand Tourism Department has set daily limits for registration. For the Kedarnath Yatra, the limit is 18,000 devotees per day, while for Badrinath, it is 20,000. Similarly, the daily limits are 11,000 for Gangotri and 9,000 for Yamunotri Dham.
Since registrations for May are completely full and there is a high demand for helicopter services (Heli Sewa), devotees are now trying to secure spots for June. The Heli Sewa initiative, which is under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has been incredibly popular, as seen from the record-breaking number of bookings.
Char Dham Yathra: Important Things to Remember
The Uttarakhand government has announced a set of rules and regulations for the upcoming Chardham Yatra 2024, which will begin on May 10. To ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims, there will be a ban on vehicular movement between 10 pm and 4 am along the pilgrimage route throughout the Chardham Yatra. Furthermore, in order to maintain the sanctity of the journey and minimize distractions, playing loud music or songs in cabs on travel routes has been prohibited.
A detailed timetable has been prepared for the Yatra, specifying the duration for visiting each Dham. It has been set at three days for one Dham, five days for two Dhams, seven days for three Dhams, and ten days for all four Char Dhams. The Transport Department has taken proactive steps to inform neighboring states about these regulations.
Transport Commissioner Arvind Singh Hyanki has sent letters to the Transport Commissioners of eight states, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. These letters outline the measures adopted by the state government to ensure the smooth operation of the Chardham Yatra. The recipients are urged to promote and disseminate this information within their respective states.
How to Register for Char Dham Yathra 2024
To register online, follow these steps:
- Go to the official website www.registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
- Look for the Register/Log-in button and click on it.
- Fill in all the necessary information in the form on the new window.
- Verify your identity by entering the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your mobile number and email.
- Once verified, log in using your mobile number and password.
- Access your personalized dashboard and click on the Add/Manage Pilgrims or Tourists button.
- Provide all the required tour details, including the type, name, dates, and number of tourists.
- Upload scanned copies of valid photo ID proofs, such as Voter card, Aadhar card, or driving license.
- After successful registration, you will receive a unique registration number (URN) via SMS to confirm your mobile number.
- Make sure to download the registration letter for the Chardham Yatra, as it will be necessary for your journey.
Yamunotri Temple Update
The Yamunotri Temple, located in Uttarakhand, India, is a highly revered pilgrimage site that will open its gates for devotees on May 10. It is considered one of the Chota Chardhams temples and is believed to be the source of the sacred Yamuna River in the country. Every year, thousands of Hindus embark on a spiritual journey through difficult terrains to seek blessings at this shrine.
For those planning to visit the temple in 2024, here are the important dates to keep in mind:
- Opening Date: The doors of the Yamunotri Temple will open on May 10, 2024. This date is chosen based on the Hindu Panchang and coincides with Akshay Tritiya, a day of great significance.
- Closing Date: The temple will close its doors on October 31, 2024. This closing date is decided by the Char Dham Temple Committee.
Here are some general details about the temple:
- Morning and Evening Aarti Timings: The Aarti ceremonies take place from 6:30 to 07:30 AM in the morning and from 06:30 to 07:30 PM in the evening.
- General Darshan: The temple is open for general viewing from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2 PM to 8 PM. However, there is no darshan allowed between 12 PM and 2 PM daily.
If you are planning a visit to the Yamunotri Temple, it is recommended to go shortly after the temple’s opening or just before its closure. During these periods, the weather is usually favorable and ideal for trekking. It is advisable to avoid the monsoon season (late June to August) due to heavy rains and the risk of landslides.
FAQs
What is the Char Dham Yatra?
The Char Dham Yatra refers to the pilgrimage to the four sacred Hindu shrines in the Indian Himalayas: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
When is the best time to undertake the Char Dham Yatra?
The best time for the Char Dham Yatra is typically between May and October, avoiding the monsoon season. The exact timing may vary each year, so it’s essential to check the current weather conditions and pilgrimage status.
Do I need permits for the Char Dham Yatra?
While there are no specific permits required for the Char Dham Yatra, it’s essential to check any travel restrictions, permits, or registration requirements imposed by local authorities. This information may change, so it’s important to stay updated.
How much trekking is involved in the Char Dham Yatra?
The amount of trekking varies for each of the four dhams:
- Yamunotri: Around 6 km trek
- Gangotri: Motorable road up to the temple
- Kedarnath: Approximately 16 km trek from Gaurikund
- Badrinath: Minimal trekking from the parking area to the temple Pony, palanquin, and helicopter services are available for pilgrims who prefer not to trek the entire distance.
What is the right time for the Char Dham Yatra?
The ideal time for the Char Dham Yatra is generally between May and October, avoiding the monsoon season. It’s important to plan according to the weather conditions and pilgrimage status.
Plan your Char Dham HERE…