In Uttarkashi, nestled in the serene valleys of Uttarakhand, the revered Shri Badrinath Dham unveiled its gates at the break of dawn on Sunday, marking the end of a six-month hiatus. Amidst the harmonious melodies orchestrated by the Army Band, complete with traditional rituals, Vedic hymns, and fervent chants of ‘Badri Vishal Lal Ki Jai’, devout worshippers were welcomed with open arms.
In the wake of this auspicious event, the Uttarkashi police issued a cautionary advisory, highlighting the burgeoning influx of pilgrims at Yamunotri. Concerned about the safety implications of overcrowding, they urged devotees to reconsider embarking on their pilgrimage on May 12.
Taking to their official social media handle, the Uttarkashi Police conveyed, “Presently, Yamunotri Dham has reached its threshold capacity in terms of devotees. It is deemed unsafe to accommodate additional pilgrims at this juncture.” They further implored, “We kindly beseech all devotees intending to embark on the Yamunotri Yatra today to defer their plans.”
In a subsequent tweet, the Uttarkashi police elaborated on the logistical and security measures implemented along the Yamunotri Dham route. They stated, “SP Uttarkashi, Shri Arpan Yaduvanshi, has assumed responsibility for traffic management and security enforcement along the Yamuna Valley. To ensure seamless traffic flow and mitigate congestion, he undertakes nocturnal patrols to oversee the arrangements.”
Furthermore, the police elucidated on the measures undertaken to facilitate the pilgrims’ convenience and safety. “To alleviate congestion and ensure the safety of pilgrims, traffic flow on narrow and precarious routes is regulated through a unidirectional gate system. Additionally, on the pedestrian path to Yamunotri, equine transport such as horses, mules, and sedan chairs operate on a rotational basis,” they tweeted.
Extending his heartfelt wishes to the devotees on this propitious occasion, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conveyed his greetings via a post on social media. He expressed, “Today, amidst the resonant chants and sacred rituals, the sanctified portals of Lord Badri Vishal have been flung open. A warm embrace and felicitations to all pilgrims embarking on the revered Char Dham Yatra! Jai Badri Vishal.”
Within the sanctum sanctorum, Chief Priest VC Ishwar Prasad Namboodri invoked divine blessings upon the congregants, beseeching for their well-being during a special invocation ceremony dedicated to Lord Badrinath.
Meanwhile, at Kedarnath Dham, over 29,000 devotees paid homage on the inaugural day of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage. As per the State Information Department, “Commencing on May 10, the Char Dham Yatra has witnessed a surge of pilgrims, both domestic and international. The inaugural day witnessed a historic congregation of over 29,000 pilgrims at Kedarnath Dham alone.”
The Char Dham Yatra, steeped in profound spiritual significance within Hinduism, embarks on a journey of devotion and introspection. Spanning the sacred realms of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, it culminates in spiritual rejuvenation and divine communion.