Description
Kedarnath will open on April 25 and Badrinath on April 27. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday withdrew his decision to impose a daily limit on the number of pilgrims visiting the four famous Himalayan temples in Uttarakhand, one day before the scheduled start of the Char Dham yatra. The state government had previously decided to limit the number of pilgrims visiting the four temples on a daily basis, but was under pressure from priests and tour operators to reverse the decision.
The chief minister has decided to withdraw the decision to limit the number of pilgrims visiting the temples on a daily basis, said an order issued by the additional chief secretary, Radha Raturi.
However, the online and offline registration system for pilgrims arriving at the yatra remains unchanged as it helps to track them, the order says.
As the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples were due to open to devotees on Saturday, the idol of goddess Ganga set off in a flower-decorated palanquin from her winter residence at Mukhba.
The idol of Goddess Yamuna will similarly depart from its winter residence in Kharsali on Saturday morning.
Accompanied by his cabinet colleagues, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami signaled a bus convoy with pilgrims on board for ISBT Rishikesh's Char Dham Yatra by showing them green flags, saying this year's yatra was poised to break all previous records. .
Pilgrims making their way to the Himalayan temples were also crowned by Chief Minister Dhami and his ministerial colleagues.
More than 16 lakh pilgrims have already registered for the pilgrimage and the number is growing, he said.
Mr. Dhami announced that this year helicopters will drop flower petals to Char Dham pilgrims at the four Himalayan temples.
He asked all concerned to ensure that the pilgrims return home satisfied with the golden memories of the yatra.
State Forestry Minister Subodh Uniyal, Transport Minister Chandan Ram Das, Urban Development Minister Premchand Aggarwal, Mayor Anita Mamgai and philanthropic founder Hans Foundation Bhole Maharaj and his wife Mangla Mata were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Transport Minister Das said that green cards had been issued for 5,000 vehicles this year and all necessary measures had been taken to ensure a smooth pilgrimage for the faithful.
Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Chairman Ajendra Ajay also reported a fleet of buses with Char Dham pilgrims on board from the Maya Devi Temple premises in Haridwar.
