Over 34,000 Pilgrims Participate in Char Dham Winter Pilgrimage in Uttarakhand

The winter pilgrimage in Uttarakhand has attracted over 34,000 visitors to the Char Dham winter seats since the shrines' closure. This surge follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promotion of the pilgrimage, with expectations for continued growth in visitor numbers.

The winter pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, which started last year, is gaining popularity. Over 34,000 pilgrims have visited the winter seats of the Char Dham shrines since their closure, according to a government statement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state a year ago to promote this pilgrimage has contributed to its rapid progress.

After the closure of the four main shrines—Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri—the mountains usually become deserted. However, this year, there is increased activity as pilgrims visit the winter seats associated with these shrines: Jyotirmath, Ukhimath, Mukhwa, and Kharsali.

Winter Pilgrimage Gains Traction

The government report indicates that 34,140 pilgrims from both India and abroad have visited these sites since the Char Dham shrines closed this year. More visitors are expected over the next two and a half months. This pilgrimage began in 2024-25, attracting 73,381 pilgrims to Uttarakhand during that winter season.

Dr Prajapati Nautiyal, Special Officer of the Char Dham Yatra Management and Control Organisation, shared that Ukhimath has seen the highest number of visitors so far, with 20,338 pilgrims. Following Ukhimath in popularity are Jyotirmath, Kharsali, and Mukhwa.

Impact on Local Economy

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted that Prime Minister Modi's visit to Mukhwa and Harshil has positively impacted the winter pilgrimage. He noted that people from across India and the world are visiting Uttarakhand during winter to see holy sites and enjoy the region's natural beauty.

Dhami stated, "People from across the country and the world are visiting Uttarakhand even during the winter months to see the holy sites and experience the natural beauty of the region." The success of year-round tourism is also boosting employment opportunities for local residents.

Approximately 1,500 pilgrims are visiting these sites daily. The ongoing success of this initiative is not only enhancing tourism but also providing economic benefits to local communities by creating more job opportunities.

With inputs from PTI