As with aspects in different spheres, the Char Dham Yatra has also been affected by the lockdown in place to contain the spread of COVID-19. While the date for reopening Badrinath shrine has been deferred from April 30 to May 15, Kedarnath is slated to reopen on April 29 while Gangotri and Yamunotri are slated to reopen on April 26. However, this year, the shrines will not be crowded by devotees during the reopening for the summer.
Currently, final touches are being given to preparations for reopening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines in Uttarkashi district. The Teerth Purohits of these two pilgrimage centres state that both the ancient traditions and lockdown regulations will be observed. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the procession of goddess Ganga to Gangotri will be accompanied by local folk musicians instead of the army band.
However this time, when the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri are opened for the summer on the occasion of Akshay Tritiya, only a few priests and some members of the temple committee will be present.
Permission has been sought from the district administration to allow them to remain present. Apart from them, no other devotees will be allowed into the shrine. The procession of goddess Ganga will begin from her winter abode at Mukhba on April 25 at 12:30 PM. After a night halt at Bhairav Mandir, the procession will reach Gangotri at 8 AM on April 26. After ritual worship, the portals of Gangotri will be opened at 12:35 PM. Similarly, the process of goddess Yamuna will start from her winter abode in Kharsali at 8 AM on April 26 and reach the Yamunotri shrine which will be ritually opened for the summer at 12:41 PM.