DEHRADUN : In a move to facilitate the Char Dham Yatra set to begin in April, the Uttarakhand government has announced the suspension of VIP darshan arrangements for the first month of the pilgrimage season.
“This decision aims to ensure a smoother experience for all devotees. VIPs who wish to participate in the yatra can do so as ordinary pilgrims,” a government spokesperson said. “The initiative is expected to promote inclusivity and allow all devotees to experience the sacred journey on an equal footing,” said the spokesperson.
Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said extensive arrangements are being made this year to manage the crowd at the shrines. “To control the influx of pilgrims, VIP darshan will not be permitted during the initial month of the yatra,” he said.
“Under the protocol, we have to restrict ordinary devotees during VIP arrivals at the time of darshan. That will not be the case this time. The administration makes decisions based on the situation. If the administration feels that the crowd at the shrines is manageable, then we may reconsider the VIP darshan,” Pandey said.
He said that this year police and mobile teams will be deployed every 10 kilometres along the Char Dham Yatra routes. “To effectively manage the crowd, holding areas have been designated along the yatra routes where devotees will have free provisions for resting and meals. A review of the yatra preparations is scheduled for April 5,” Pandey said. Yogendra Gangwar, joint director of the Char Dham Yatra division of the Uttarakhand tourism department, said, “The portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham will open on April 30. The portals of Kedarnath Dham will open on May 2, and Badrinath Dham will follow on May 4. After that, the portals of Hemkund Sahib will open on May 25.”
In 2024, 4,804,215 pilgrims undertook the Char Dham Yatra and 5,618,497 in 2023. According to the Yatra Division, the Char Dham Yatra in 2024 faced significant disruptions due to disasters, landslides, and cloudbursts. Approximately 800,000 fewer pilgrims visited the shrines compared to 2023.