The winter Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is now open, inviting many pilgrims to its four winter temples: Omkareshwar (Ukhimath), Narasimha (Jyotirmath), Gangotri (Mukhaba), and Yamunotri (Kharsali). This year, the state government is focused on promoting this yatra during winter, which is a big part of the state’s tourism and economy. The main yatra that takes place for about five to six months each year is very important for the state.
This winter, the government wants to welcome more visitors to the winter homes of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Omkareshwar and Narsimha temples serve as the winter homes for Kedarnath and Badrinath, while Gangri and Yamuna have their winter homes at Mukhaba and Kharsali.
By December 31, a total of 15,341 pilgrims had visited these winter shrines. The enthusiasm is high, with reports showing that 15,314 pilgrims had come to seek blessings. Among them, Omkareshwar temple topped the list with 6,482 visitors, while 5,104 people visited Badrivishal in Pandukeshwar. Mukhaba welcomed 3,114 visitors, and 614 people prayed at Kharsali.
On December 8, the Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, kicked off the Panch Kedar Winter Yatra at Omkareshwar temple. Local residents are happy to see pilgrims despite the cold weather and snowfall. The palanquin of Baba Kedar and Lord Madmaheshwar is placed in the Omkareshwar temple for the winter months, where they can be worshipped for six months. Regularly, devotees continue to arrive. Just on the past Monday, 518 visitors prayed at the temple, while 364 prayed at Lord Badrivishal. Mukhaba had 18 visitors, and Kharsali welcomed 8 pilgrims.
The state administration is making all arrangements to ensure a comfortable visit for the pilgrims.
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