Kedarnath is a famous pilgrimage site in Chardham Yatra in India. Every year, so many people come to visit the holy temples of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri so that they become crowded.
This year 1,93,909 pilgrims visited the Chardham from May 12 to May 14 in Uttarakhand. While close to 40% have been to Kedarnath, the other three dhams have seen an almost equal footfall of 20% each.
The Uttarakhand government has made some new rules to make things better for everyone. From now on, you cannot use your phone close to temples within 200 meters. Also, taking photos or videos is no longer allowed there. Only cars that have signed up for the pilgrimage can ply on those routes. This will help everyone have a smoother and more enjoyable trip.
11 People Died in the First Five Days of the Chardham Yatra as Pilgrims’ Flood Routes
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The Chardham Yatra, a holy pilgrimage for Hindus in Uttarakhand, has seen a significant increase in the number of pilgrims this year. However, this increase in visitor numbers has also raised health concerns, with 11 deaths reported in the first five days.
Since the start of the Yatra on May 10, almost double the number of pilgrims have set out on the Yatra as compared to previous years. Over 1.55 lakh pilgrims have already visited Kedarnath, of which over 70,000 and 63,000 have reached Yamunotri and Gangotri respectively. Badrinath Dham, which opened its doors on May 12, has already welcomed over 45,000 pilgrims.
Health Risks and Precautionary Measures: Authorities are urging pilgrims, especially the elderly, to be transparent about any pre-existing medical conditions. All pilgrims are required to undergo health screenings upon arrival and are encouraged to disclose their medical history. The high altitude of these pilgrimage sites can pose challenges for those coming from warmer climates, potentially aggravating respiratory or other underlying health issues.
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The Garhwal Commissioner, Vinay Shankar Pandey, emphasized the importance of complete medical disclosure. He reassured pilgrims that comprehensive health screening measures are in place.
Although the exact cause of the 11 deaths is not specified, health officials report that most were elderly pilgrims who had breathing difficulties or other underlying medical conditions. This incident highlights the importance of prioritizing health and safety during the Char Dham Yatra.
Chardham Yatra Registration 2024
Uttarakhand Government Implements Strict Rules
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Uttarakhand authorities are imposing strict guidelines to ensure a peaceful pilgrimage experience for tourists amid the record-breaking crowd.
- To maintain the sanctity of the temples and minimize disruptions during prayers, authorities have prohibited mobile phones within a 200-meter radius of all Chardham. They made this decision in response to concerns that devotees were becoming distracted by their phones, thereby hindering their spiritual experience.
- To streamline the pilgrimage process and crowd control, online registration on the portal of the Uttarakhand Tourism Department has been made mandatory for all pilgrims. This helps authorities manage resources better and ensure a smooth yatra for everyone.
- The Uttarakhand Police has launched “Operation Maryada” to maintain decorum and prevent misconduct on the pilgrimage route. This includes restrictions on alcohol and drug consumption. To manage the unexpected surge, it has been requested to avoid sending VIPs for darshan till May 31.
- Devotees are urged to cooperate with the authorities by registering in advance, avoid using mobiles in restricted areas, and maintain respectful behavior throughout the journey. This collective effort will ensure a safe and spiritually enriching experience for all pilgrims.
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90 % of people are Going to Chardham for Entertainment
🙏🏻#❤️#kedharnath pic.twitter.com/HbgiiGbJTi
— Raj Choudhary (@Rajchoudha8) June 24, 2023
Devotees said that the crowd was very large. Because of this, some things could be improved. There is a traffic jam due to excess vehicles. Darshan becomes possible after a queue of two to three hours.
Most of the problems here are caused by people having fun. People are taking drugs. Influencers/Instagrammers are struggling to create reels. 90 percent of people are coming just for entertainment. 10 percent of people come for devotion. Devotees said that all these cause problems to the devotees. Who wants to meditate peacefully there for God. Senior citizens are facing problems. Many youngsters are also making reels by jumping in front of them. The network also remained closed for two days due to the crowd.
People coming there should understand that this is a pilgrimage site. People have come here to meditate on God.
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