Char Dham Yatra: The Char Dham Yatra covering Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath started on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya (April 19) with the opening of the portals of Yamunotri and Gangotri shrines after a winter break of 6 months. People can visit the respective portals to book their reservations to avoid last-minute challenges.
Char Dham Yatra-Temple Portals Opened
The Gangorti temple portal opened at 12:15pm and the Yamunotri temple portal opened at 12:35pm amid the chanting of Vedic hymns.
The first prayers at both Uttarkashi district temples were performed in the name of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The opening ceremony of the Gangotri shrine was attended by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami who prayed for India’s prosperity.
Uttarakhand CM’s Comments
Dhami remarked that the Uttarakhand government has made a series of robust arrangements so that all devotees could experience a safe and smooth pilgrimage. The CM urged all devotees to support a clean and green yatra.
DON'T MISS
In a first, restrictions have been imposed on the entry of non-Hindus to the shrines in Badrinath, Kedarnath and Gangotri. It has been mandated by the Gangotri temple committee must consume ‘panchgavya’ (a combination of cow urine, dung, milk, curd and ghee) by non-sanatanis before they can enter the premises.
Non-Hindus are required to submit an affidavit that they have faith in Sanatan Dharma before they can make an entry, according to the Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee. The portals of Kedarnath and Badrinath will open on April 22 and April 23, respectively.
Interestingly, the Yamunotri Temple Committee has been the sole authority that has decided to welcome all devotees irrespective of religion.
The use of mobile phones and cameras inside all temple premises has been banned by the authorities. Till now, more than 19 lakh devotees have registered for the pilgrimage. In 2025, more than 51 lakh 51 lakh pilgrims undertook the Char Dham Yatra.
