All arrangements have been made for the Char Dham Yatra slated to start from Tuesday. Meanwhile, on Monday, the ceremonial procession of lord Kedarnath started from Ukhimath.
The Char Dham Yatra will begin today with the reopening of the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines. The portals of Kedarnath and Badrinath will be reopened for the pilgrims on May 9 and May 10 respectively.
Tourism secretary Dilip Jawalkar informed that despite heavy snowfall experienced in Kedarnath this time, all possible attempts are being made by the State government and district administration to provide all facilities to the devotees set to arrive here.
The arrangements will be completed before reopening of the shrine’s portals. Arrangments for 3,000 pilgrims staying overnight are available in Kedarnath. The district administration has been directed to make the Yatra route proper while the police have been directed to focus on safety of pilgrims and traffic control. All medical officers have been directed to ensure immediate medical treatment facility when needed.
Further, the travellers are advised to carry adequate warm clothing considering the cold en route. In case of any medical requirement on the bridle path, they should contact medical relief posts set up on the route.
Meanwhile, the ceremonial procession carrying the five-faced idol of lord Kedarnath departed from his winter abode at the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath on Monday. The procession will halt at Fata on Monday night.
On May 7, the procession will halt at Gaurikund and reachy Kedarnath on May 8. The portals of Kedarnath shrine will be reopened to the devotees at 5:35 AM on May 9.
The Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee chairman Mohan Prasad Thapliyal is also monitoring the Yatra arrangements. He said that the BKTC has completed all preparations.