Char Dham Yatra 2025 Begins on Akshaya Tritiya with expected Record Devotee Turnout

Char Dham Yatra 2025 Begins on Akshaya Tritiya with expected Record Devotee Turnout

Char Dham Yatra 2025 Begins on Akshaya Tritiya with Record Devotee Turnout and Tightened Security

New Delhi, April 30, 2025 – The sacred Char Dham Yatra 2025 officially commenced today with the ceremonial opening of the portals to Gangotri and Yamunotri temples in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. With over 22 lakh devotees already registered, officials project that this year’s pilgrimage could witness a record-breaking 60 lakh participants, reaffirming its position as one of India’s most significant spiritual events.

Temple Opening Dates: A Sacred Countdown

The four Himalayan shrines that make up the Char Dham — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — are set to welcome devotees as per the following schedule:

• Gangotri and Yamunotri: April 30, 2025
• Kedarnath: May 2, 2025
• Badrinath: May 4, 2025

These temples remain open for six months, drawing millions from across India and the world, before closing for winter due to heavy snowfall.

Record Registrations and Devotional Processions

As per the Uttarakhand Tourism Department, more than 22 lakh devotees have already registered on the official Char Dham portal. The registration process—mandatory for all pilgrims—is available online at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in and offline at counters across major cities including Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi.

A unique feature of the Yatra’s beginning was the traditional palanquin procession carrying the idols from their winter abodes to the temples:

• Goddess Ganga departed from Mukhba village in Uttarkashi, accompanied by ceremonial drums and an army band. After halting overnight at the Bhairav temple, the idol reached Gangotri Dham this morning, having covered 25 km on foot.
• Similarly, Goddess Yamuna’s palanquin set out from Khushimath early Wednesday. The Yamunotri temple opened its doors to devotees at 11:55 AM.

According to officials, over 22 lakh devotees from both India and abroad have already registered for the Char Dham Yatra 2025, signaling an overwhelming response. The total number of pilgrims is expected to soar to a record-breaking 60 lakh, as per Harish Gaur, media in-charge of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee.

In a deeply spiritual and emotional tradition, the idol of Goddess Ganga began its journey from its winter abode in Mukhba village of Uttarkashi on Tuesday at noon. The departure was marked by the rhythmic beats of traditional dhol and damau, accompanied by devotional music played by an army band. Locals gathered to bid a heartfelt and tearful farewell as the palanquin carrying the deity set off for Gangotri Dham.

After an overnight halt at the Bhairav Temple in Bhairav Valley, the palanquin is scheduled to arrive at Gangotri on Wednesday morning. According to priest Rajesh Semwal, the palanquin bearers will cover the 25-kilometer stretch entirely on foot, preserving an age-old pilgrimage tradition. The temple doors will officially open at 10:30 AM, allowing devotees to offer prayers and seek blessings over the next six months.

Similarly, the idol of Goddess Yamuna will commence its journey to Yamunotri Dham from Khushimath, its winter resting place, on Wednesday morning. As per Yamunotri temple committee spokesperson Purushottam Uniyal, the temple’s portals will open to devotees at 11:55 AM, following ceremonial rituals.

Unprecedented Security Measures Amid Terror Threats

Given the sensitive geopolitical environment, particularly after a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, security has been significantly ramped up along the Yatra routes.

Key Security Highlights:

• 6,000 police personnel deployed
• 17 PAC companies and 10 paramilitary units on active duty
• State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) stationed at over 65 accident-prone zones
• Enhanced traffic management and intelligence surveillance throughout the region

Speaking at the Yatra transit camp in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand DGP Deepam Seth stated, “We will not compromise on the safety of our pilgrims. All suspicious elements are being monitored, and security arrangements have been strengthened across all routes.”