Uttarkashi: When the monsoon season in Uttarakhand is in its last leg and rains slow down in hills as well as in plain areas, the pilgrim’s influx in on surge in Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines. As per the data available through the yatra bulletin from the Uttarkashi district administration, more than 1.45 lakhs pilgrims have visited these two shrines in a period of 22 days in September.
So far this year, over six lakh pilgrims have visited Yamunotri shrine, and more than 6.8 lakh pilgrims have made their way to Gangotri shrine.
Pilgrims visiting Yamunotri shrine has seen a significant increase this year
Compared to previous years, the number of pilgrims visiting Yamunotri shrine has seen a significant increase since the start of this pilgrimage period. As per the Yatra Bulletin from the District Administration, a total of 12,372 pilgrims visited Yamunotri and Gangotri shrines on Sunday. With 6,292 devotees arriving at Yamunotri shrine on Sunday, the total number of pilgrims visiting this sacred shrine over the 136-day Yatra period has reached 602,364. In comparison, during the same 136-day period last year, 503,567 devotees had visited Yamunotri shrine.
Significant rise in pilgrims’ number in Gangotri shrine
On Sunday, 6,080 pilgrims arrived at Gangotri shrine, bringing the total number of pilgrims since the portals opened on 10 May to 680,950. In comparison, during the same 136-day period last year, 619,387 devotees visited Gangotri Dham. These figures clearly indicate a significant increase in pilgrim arrivals at both shrines this year.
Yamunotri witnesses more pilgrims this year
The trend of devotees visiting Yamunotri Dham has also changed during this Yatra period, with a steady influx of pilgrims since the beginning. With about one and a half months remaining in this Yatra period and a continuous increase in pilgrim movement following the monsoon, the number of visitors to Yamunotri and Gangotri shrines is expected to reach new heights this year.
Traffic started on newly constructed alternative route
Seeing the clear weather, the movement of pilgrims in both these shrines is likely to increase further in the coming days. Therefore, the state administration has increased the arrangements related to the Yatra and paid special attention to the improvement of roads and traffic management. Additionally, traffic has also started today on the newly constructed alternative route in place of the road damaged due to landslides between Janki Chatti and Phool Chatti.
Heavy rainfall triggered landslides on highways and trek route
During Char Dham yatra 2024, landslides have significantly impacted the routes to both Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines. Heavy rainfall triggered landslides, causing blockages on the Gangotri highway and the Yamunotri shrine trek route. These disruptions have caused inconvenience to both priests and devotees, with efforts underway to clear and restore the affected routes.
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