Chardham Yatra Experiences Surge in Pilgrims as Kedarnath and Badrinath Set New Attendance Records

The Chardham Yatra has rebounded with record attendance at Kedarnath and Badrinath, surpassing previous figures despite challenging weather conditions. Official data shows over 16.56 lakh pilgrims visited Kedarnath and more than 14.53 lakh visited Badrinath this year.

The Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand, which faced disruptions due to heavy rains and landslides during the monsoon, is now seeing a resurgence. Despite ongoing snowfall and adverse weather, the number of devotees visiting Kedarnath and Badrinath has reached unprecedented levels. Official data reveals that on Wednesday, pilgrim numbers at Kedarnath exceeded 16.56 lakh, while Badrinath saw over 14.53 lakh visitors.

Before the recent surge, the pilgrimage had been on a decline since August 5 due to severe weather events like floods and landslides. Disasters in areas such as Dharali, Sayanachatti, and Tharali had significantly impacted the Yatra. In early September, a weather warning led to a four-day suspension of the pilgrimage. However, by September 10, the situation improved, with around 8,000 pilgrims visiting the shrines in one day.

Record-Breaking Pilgrim Numbers

Wednesday's figures show that 19,731 pilgrims visited the holy sites of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Hemkund Sahib by 7 pm. Specifically, Badrinath welcomed 5,042 devotees, Kedarnath had 5,614 visitors, Gangotri saw 6,217 pilgrims, Yamunotri had 2,360 visitors, and Hemkund Sahib was visited by 498 people. These numbers highlight a significant recovery in the Yatra's momentum.

In comparison to previous years, this season's numbers are remarkable. The last record for Kedarnath was set in 2024 with over 16.52 lakh pilgrims during the entire pilgrimage period. Last year saw 14.35 lakh visitors at Badrinath. This year's figures have already surpassed those records.

Future Prospects for Chardham Yatra

By August 4, just before the Dharali disaster struck, 4.161 million pilgrims had completed their journey to Chardham. With the current pace of recovery in pilgrim numbers, experts predict that total visitors could reach up to 5 million this season. The doors of Kedarnath and Yamunotri are scheduled to close on October 23. Gangotri will close on October 22, following Diwali celebrations. Badrinath will remain open until November 25.

The Chardham Yatra's revival is a testament to its enduring appeal despite natural challenges. As conditions improve and more pilgrims embark on their spiritual journey, this year's pilgrimage could set new benchmarks for future seasons.

With inputs from PTI