Devotees will now be required to pay a registration fee, with a minimum charge of Rs10 proposed to prevent fraudulent bookings.
Uttarakhand govt introduces paid online registration
Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government has announced key changes to the online registration process for the Char Dham Yatra.
Devotees will now be required to pay a registration fee, with a minimum charge of Rs10 proposed to prevent fraudulent bookings.
A committee headed by the Additional Commissioner of the Garhwal Division has been formed to finalize the registration fee at the earliest. Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey stated that introducing a nominal charge will help curb fake registrations and ensure a smoother pilgrimage management system. The final amount will be decided after the committee submits its report and receives government approval.
Devbhoomi Uttarakhand: Land of Sacred Pilgrimage
Uttarakhand, popularly known as Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods), is home to countless revered temples that attract devotees from across the country and abroad throughout the year. Among its many religious circuits, the Char Dham Yatra holds the highest spiritual significance.
The Four Sacred Shrines of Char Dham
The Char Dham Yatra includes visits to four high-altitude Himalayan temples:
Located in the Himalayas, these temples remain closed for nearly six months due to extreme winter conditions. They generally open in April or May and close around October or November each year.
Pilgrimage Route and Significance
Traditionally, the Char Dham Yatra is undertaken in a clockwise direction. The journey begins at Yamunotri, proceeds to Gangotri, then to Kedarnath, and concludes at Badrinath. Pilgrims can travel by road, and helicopter services are also available for certain routes.
Many devotees also opt for the two-dham pilgrimage, focusing on Kedarnath and Badrinath.
The Char Dham Yatra is both spiritually uplifting and physically demanding. Despite the challenging terrain and high altitudes, devotees consider the journey deeply fulfilling and soul-satisfying.
