The registration for the holy shrine, Kedarnath has been suspended amid rain and snowfall in Kedarnath in the past few days. The registration has been paused till 30 April in cities like Rishikesh and Haridwar. Officials informed about the same on Sunday. The government will later review the weather conditions and then take a decision in interest of the devotees, keeping their safety in mind.
The Char Dham yatra is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimages in India. It includes four holy shrines - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri in the Himalayas.
The government of Uttarakhand issued the advisory for the pilgrimage and asked the devotees to be careful and begin their yatra keeping the weather in mind.
Additional Commissioner (Administration) of Garhwal Division and Additional Chief Executive Officer of Chardham yatra Administration Organisation Narendra Singh Kaviriyal said, "In view of the bad weather and heavy snowfall, the registration of pilgrims for the Kedarnath yatra has been suspended till April 30 in Rishikesh and Haridwar."
The news agency ANI cited the government officials,"It may be noted that intermittent rain and snowfall continue in Kedarnath Dham. All the devotees coming to Kedarnath Dham from the country and abroad have been informed by the government to check the weather forecast before going to Kedarnath Dham and have been asked to carry enough warm clothes."
Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar while speaking to ANI said, "There was heavy snowfall in Kedarnath Dham yesterday. Pilgrims are requested to be alert and begin their yatra by looking at the weather".
"Guidelines and SOPs have been issued for the journey. In this, travellers have been suggested to acclimatize their bodies to the mountain weather during the journey. If you are facing difficulty then rest for some time and only then travel," he said.
The Char Dham yatra began on Saturday, on Akshay Tritiya with the opening of the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri. The Kedarnath portals will be opened for devotees on 25 April while Badrinath temple will be open on 27 April.
Over 16 lakh devotees from India and abroad registered for the Char Dham pilgrimage. Health Secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar informed that the state health department has made full- preparations to welcome the pilgrims to the holy shrines, and appealed the devotees to take due care of their health during the yatra, the report added.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has also issued directions that registration will continue so as to keep track of pilgrim numbers and crowd management. This time the government has a special focus on the Kedarnath pilgrimage route.
How to Register for Kedarnath Yatra 2023?
Visit the official website on registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
Complete the Chardham yatra registration.
Create Heliyatra account and check the seat availability with your registration ID or group ID
Choose a departure slot and complete your booking with online payment mode as per your preference.
You will have to carry the IRCTC heliyatra ticket to the assigned Helipad location and here begins the pilgrimage.
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