Uttarakhand: Pilgrims flock in record numbers to sacred sites despite poor weather, boosting local trade

The huge crowd of pilgrims at Hemkund Sahib and Badrinath Dham has surprised everyone. Read more on Dynamite News

Chamoli: The mood of the weather in the hilly areas has completely changed since the last week. While normal life is being affected due to the severe cold and intermittent snowfall, the huge crowd of pilgrims in Hemkund Sahib and Badrinath Dham has surprised everyone.

Despite the chilly weather and challenges, there has been no decrease in the faith of the devotees, due to which the faces of the local businessmen have also brightened up. According to the Dynamite News correspondent, Hemkund Sahib, which is located at an altitude of about 15,000 feet above sea level and where one has to cover a difficult 19 km trek, is reaching there this time with a record number of pilgrims.

 Since the opening of the gates on May 25, more than 30,000 devotees have reached Hemkund Sahib in just 10 days, and on average 5,000 to 6,000 pilgrims are coming here to pay obeisance every day. Due to which the traders are also getting a good profit.

Tremendous enthusiasm among devotees

Talking about the weather, there is fresh snow up to three inches in the Hemkund area at this time, due to which the entire area is covered with a white sheet of snow. Despite this, tremendous enthusiasm is being seen among the Sikh devotees. Even in the severe cold, the devotees are bathing in Himsarovar and paying obeisance at Darbar Sahib.

Natural obstacles are proving secondary

Meanwhile, a significant increase in the arrival of devotees is also being seen in Badrinath Dham. So far, more than 5 lakh 60 thousand pilgrims have reached here. Every day more than 20 thousand devotees are reaching Badrinath for darshan. Due to the changing weather, there is severe cold here too, but these natural obstacles are proving secondary in front of the faith of people in God.

The hilly area has regained its charm

With this speed in the Hemkund and Badrinath Yatra, the entire hilly area has regained its charm. People associated with local hotels, dhabas, and transport businesses have gotten a lot of relief from this. While on one hand the weather remains a challenge, on the other hand the faith and enthusiasm of the devotees are bringing warmth to life in the mountains.