Latest news with #UttarakhandTourismDepartment
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Time of India
Hemkund Sahib Yatra 2025 begins; Uttarakhand CM flag off pilgrimage
Hemkund Sahib, one of the highest Gurudwaras in the world, opened its doors on Sunday for its annual pilgrimage 2025. Set in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, the portals were opened on Sunday after the traditional Ardas (prayer). The revered Sikh pilgrimage site and its annual yatra attracts spiritual seekers from across the globe. The official launch of this year's yatra started on Thursday, when the first batch of pilgrims, or jatha, departed from Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib located on Laxman Jhula Road in Rishikesh. A ceremonial flag-off was conducted by Uttarakhand Governor and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. According to the Uttarakhand Tourism Department, approximately 183,000 pilgrims visited Hemkund Sahib in 2024, a strong turnout though still below the record of 240,000 set in 2019. 'We are witnessing considerable enthusiasm among pilgrims for Shri Hemkund Sahib, much like the sustained interest we observe for the Char Dham yatra,' a tourism department spokesperson said. The yatra was led by five beloved (the Panj Pyare), ones symbolizing Sikh spiritual leadership. 'This sacred journey is a testament to unwavering faith,' the governor said. 'We extend our best wishes and prayers for a safe and spiritually enriching experience for all devotees embarking on this path.' Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 12000W лазерен заваръчен апарат (4 в 1) – революция в заваряването! Undo CM Dhami reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage for all. 'Uttarakhand is honored to welcome pilgrims from across the globe to this divine land,' he said. 'Our administration has worked diligently to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place for a smooth and comfortable yatra.' Set at an altitude of about 14,200 feet, Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib is among the highest places of worship in the world. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and nestled beside a glacial lake, the shrine holds deep spiritual significance in Sikhism. It is believed to be the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, meditated in a previous incarnation. The site remains accessible only during a limited season due to its high-altitude location, the pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib is both physically challenging and spiritually rewarding. The site draws comparisons to the Char Dham Yatra in terms of religious fervor and the number of annual visitors. As the portals open and the yatra gains momentum, thousands of devotees are expected to ascend the mountainous trail in search of spiritual peace and divine connection. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
New Indian Express
23-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Chardham Yatra sees unprecedented offline registration surge; online slots full for May-June
DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand's revered Char Dham Yatra is witnessing an unprecedented surge in offline registrations, with over 27,000 pilgrims registering in a single day on Thursday. This significant increase comes as online registration slots for May and June have been completely filled, pushing pilgrims towards the offline channels. The state government has made registration mandatory for the Char Dham Yatra. The cumulative figure for both online and offline registrations has now surpassed 3.2 million. The Tourism Department initiated online registrations on March 20, leading to the current unavailability of slots for the peak months of May and June. To facilitate pilgrims, offline registration counters were opened on April 28 in key locations including Haridwar, Rishikesh, Herbertpur, and Naya Gaon Vikas Nagar. May 22 marked the first time over 27,000 offline registrations were recorded in a single day. Meanwhile, Friday witnessed the highest single-day pilgrim footfall of this Yatra season, with a remarkable 67,172 devotees visiting the four shrines. This figure represents the highest daily number since the commencement of this year's Char Dham Yatra. Yogendra Gangwar, Joint Director and Nodal Officer of the Uttarakhand Tourism Department, told TNIE, "As of Friday, a total of 3,214,250 pilgrims have registered for the Yatra through various means. Out of these, 1,287,836 devotees have already completed their darshan." Gangwar further stated that the number of offline registrations is expected to increase in the coming days. He assured that adequate arrangements have been made to ensure that no pilgrim faces any difficulty during the registration process. So far, over 1.2 million pilgrims have successfully visited the Char Dhams against the total registrations.
News18
29-04-2025
- News18
Chardham Yatra 2025 Begins From April 30: A Complete Guide To Online And Offline Registration
The revered Chardham Yatra is an important pilgrimage among Hindu devotees. Situated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, this pilgrimage circuit consists of four sites – Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Every year, lakhs of devotees embark on this holy journey to seek blessings and peace. The pilgrimage will start on April 30, on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya, this year. Ahead of the yatra, the Uttarakhand Tourism Department had begun online registrations for the devotees. In case you missed registering yourself online, the authorities have kick-started offline registrations from April 28.
New Indian Express
26-04-2025
- New Indian Express
Pahalgam terror attack: 77 Pakistani Hindus barred from undertaking Uttarakhand Chardham yatra
DEHRADUN: The hopes of 77 Pakistani Hindu pilgrims who had registered for Uttarakhand's world-famous Chardham Yatra, set to begin on April 30, have been dashed. Authorities have reportedly imposed a ban on Pakistani nationals undertaking the pilgrimage this year. The decision is understood to be a direct consequence of the "altered security situation" following a recent terrorist attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Sources within the Uttarakhand Tourism Department's Yatra Division confirmed that besides Pakistan, registrations for this year's pilgrimage have also been received from the United States, Nepal, and Malaysia, among other countries. These three nations reportedly accounted for the highest number of foreign registrations this time. Providing details on the overall registration figures, Pradeep Chauhan of the Yatra Registration Division told TNIE, "For the Chardham Yatra, which starts from April 30, online registrations have exceeded 21 lakh," he stated. "Among these, 24,729 foreign nationals have registered to visit, including 77 from Pakistan." The situation for the Pakistani registrants is complicated by heightened tensions following a terrorist attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam attack. The attack has sparked widespread outrage across the country. In response, the Central Government has reportedly taken strict measures, including a decision to halt the issuance of visas to individuals arriving from Pakistan and a directive for Pakistani nationals currently residing in India to return within 48 hours. According to the government sources, as many as 250 Pakistani nationals have been identified as residing in Uttarakhand across districts including Dehradun, Haridwar, and Nainital, amidst recent tightening of visa regulations following security concerns. According to Director General of Police, Deepam Seth, a significant majority of these individuals are predominantly Pakistani Hindu citizens holding long-term visas. "Out of these, 247 have arrived on long-term visas and are mostly Pakistani Hindu citizens," stated DGP Deepam Seth. Separately, action has been taken regarding the three Pakistani nationals on short-term visas. Two from Dehradun have already been sent back, while the third individual identified in Haridwar was repatriated on Saturday. The developments come in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which led to a high alert being sounded across Uttarakhand, a state bordering China and Nepal. Instructions were also issued to monitor Pakistani nationals residing within the state. Adding to the heightened security measures, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday issued comprehensive guidelines to all states concerning visas for Pakistani citizens. Following Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's instructions, Additional Secretary Home Nivedita Kukreti issued a formal letter to top officials, including the DGP and district magistrates. The letter states that visa services for Pakistani citizens are suspended with immediate effect due to the Pahalgam incident. Valid visas for Pakistani nationals, except for specific categories, will be cancelled from April 27. Medical visas will remain valid until April 29.
News18
23-04-2025
- News18
Chardham Yatra 2025: Missed Online Registration? There Still A Chance...
Last Updated: Chardham Yatra 2025: To facilitate the registration process, the Uttarakhand government has announced the opening of special offline registration counters at multiple locations There is growing enthusiasm among devotees for the Chardham Yatra 2025. According to the Uttarakhand Tourism Department, more than 20 lakh pilgrims have already registered online, including several foreign nationals. If you haven't been able to register online for any reason, there's no need to worry as offline registration will begin on April 28, ensuring a hassle-free way to join this sacred journey. To facilitate the registration process, the Uttarakhand government has announced the opening of special offline registration counters at multiple locations. These counters will be available in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, and Herbertpur. Along with this, registration counters will be set up along the travel route at the following locations: Badrinath: Gauchar Gangotri: Heena Yamunotri: Damta and Dobata Kedarnath: GMVN Guest House, Guptkashi Counters will also operate at Nayagaon and Herbertpur bus stands in Dehradun. How To Register Offline An Aadhaar card is mandatory for offline registration. Upon registering, pilgrims will receive a unique registration number, which will be used to issue tokens at the Dhams. These tokens are essential to gain access to the shrines. Pilgrims who arrive without registering will not be issued tokens and, therefore, will be unable to proceed. The entire registration process is completely free of charge. Given the rising number of pilgrims, the Uttarakhand government is enhancing security and healthcare services along the route. The Chardham Yatra is not only a spiritual journey but also a vital contributor to Uttarakhand's economy and cultural heritage. All devotees are requested to register in advance and follow the guidelines issued for a safe and smooth pilgrimage. First Published:
