Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 22 Aug: The government has asserted that the Char Dham Yatra has continued unhindered this year despite the challenges of the monsoon, setting new records in pilgrim turnout. According to the officials, within 125 days of the current season, the number of devotees visiting the four shrines has crossed 48 lakh, which is 5.22 lakh more than the same period last year. Significantly, Yamunotri Dham has registered a record footfall, with pilgrim numbers reaching 6.68 lakh for the first time. In 2025, the figure stood at 6.44 lakh, while in earlier years the count had remained significantly lower.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has attributed the achievement to effective management and strict safety measures. He said that disaster management departments in Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Uttarkashi have been kept on round‑the‑clock alert, and all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees. Special advisories have been issued in view of weather fluctuations, but faith has continued to outweigh the challenges of nature.
It may be recalled that Yatra had begun this year on 19 April with the ceremonial opening of the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri. By 21 August, a total of 48,04,897 pilgrims had undertaken the Char Dham journey, compared to 42,82,263 in the same period last year. Badrinath has so far received 16.54 lakh devotees, Kedarnath 14.65 lakh, Gangotri 7.47 lakh and Yamunotri 6.68 lakh, while Hemkund Sahib has seen 2.69 lakh visitors. The enthusiasm for darshan of Lord Badri Vishal has been particularly strong, with 3.62 lakh more pilgrims arriving than last year.
The CM has reiterated that the safety of Char Dham pilgrims remains the government’s foremost priority, with strict action being taken against any activity that threatens the sanctity and cultural identity of Devbhoomi.
