Kedarnath: The sacred Kedarnath Yatra was marred by chaos this week as violent clashes broke out among pilgrims, prompting local authorities to resort to lathi charges in Sonprayag to disperse unruly crowds and restore order. Viral videos circulating on social media show men wielding sticks and engaging in all-out brawls, reportedly in a parking area near the Kedarnath route.
The footage, which has sparked widespread concern, captures multiple individuals swinging sticks like weapons, with bystanders scrambling for safety. The incident is part of a series of disturbances that have plagued this year’s Yatra season, raising questions about crowd control and pilgrim behavior.
Earlier, Indian pilgrims travelled to holy sites for peace and darshan but nowadays we have goons going to Kedarnath and Badrinath with rods and sticks always ready for a fight. pic.twitter.com/Szo2RLMWQV
— Uttarakhandi (@UttarakhandGo) June 19, 2025
Sheer volume of footfall has overwhelmed infrastructure
Sonprayag, a critical transit point on the Kedarnath route, has become a flashpoint for congestion and tempers. With over 1.14 million devotees having visited the shrine since the temple doors opened on May 2, the sheer volume of footfall has overwhelmed infrastructure and strained local law enforcement.
Yatra continues at full pace
Despite the disruptions, the Yatra continues at full pace. According to officials, the economic impact of the pilgrimage has been significant, with local businesses generating over Rs 300 crore in revenue since the season began. Hotels, restaurants, porters, helicopter operators, and other service providers have all reported a surge in earnings.
Yatra’s role as a vital economic engine for the region
Notably, women-led self-help groups, taxi unions, and small-scale traders have seen a marked increase in income, reflecting the Yatra’s role as a vital economic engine for the region. However, the recent violence has cast a shadow over these gains, prompting calls for stricter regulation and better crowd management.
Local police have stepped up patrolling and surveillance, especially in high-density areas like Sonprayag and Gaurikund. Authorities are also reviewing entry protocols and parking arrangements, with discussions underway to introduce time-slot-based pilgrim movement to ease congestion.
Administration faces the dual challenge of ensuring safety
Officials have urged pilgrims to maintain decorum and follow guidelines issued by the administration. “The Kedarnath Yatra is not just a journey of faith—it’s a collective responsibility. We appeal to all devotees to uphold the sanctity of the pilgrimage,” said a senior district official. As the Yatra season progresses, the administration faces the dual challenge of ensuring safety and preserving spiritual harmony. With lakhs still expected to visit in the coming weeks, the focus now shifts to preventing further incidents and reinforcing the message that devotion must not descend into disorder.
