Uttarakhand, known as Devbhoomi or the “Land of the Gods,” is celebrated for its profound spiritual heritage, holy rivers, and various places of pilgrimage. Nestled in the breathtaking Himalayas, this state is the site of the esteemed Char Dham Yatra, which holds great importance as one of Hinduism's most sacred pilgrimages. Every year, lakhs of devotees undertake this spiritual journey to seek blessings at the four ancient shrines - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
The sacred Char Dham Yatra, one of India’s most revered pilgrimages, commences every year with renewed devotion and grandeur on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. Marking the official opening of the portals of Yamunotri and Gangotri, this day holds immense spiritual significance for millions of devotees. As pilgrims from across the country begin their journey to the holy shrines nestled in the Himalayas, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, the yatra has seen several important developments and ceremonial highlights this season.
The Char Dham Yatra for this year began on April 30, 2025, coinciding with the holy festival of Akshaya Tritiya - an especially revered date in the Hindu tradition. On this spiritually significant day, the sacred portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams, located in Uttarkashi district, were ceremonially opened, signalling the formal start of the six-month pilgrimage season.
Akshaya Tritiya: The Sacred Beginning
Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Yugadi Tithi, falls on the third day of the Shukla Paksha of the Vaishakh month. It is believed to be a day when good deeds such as charity, penance, and worship yield eternal benefits (Akshaya Punya). Akshaya Tritiya, a day steeped in spiritual significance, derives its name from the Sanskrit word Akshaya, meaning “eternal” or “that which never declines.” It is widely associated with lasting prosperity and good fortune. One of the most common customs observed on this day is the purchase of gold, as it is believed to attract the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and ensure continued abundance.
Recognized as an exceptionally favourable time to initiate new ventures or spiritual undertakings, Akshaya Tritiya is prominently referenced in ancient Hindu texts like the Bhavishya Purana and Narada Purana. It is for this reason that many devotees choose to begin sacred pilgrimages, including the Char Dham Yatra, on this day.
Commencement of the Char Dham Yatra
According to the official schedule released by the Uttarakhand Tourism Department, the gates of Yamunotri and Gangotri opened on April 30, aligning with Akshaya Tritiya. This will be followed by the opening of Kedarnath on May 2 and Badrinath on May 4. In keeping with tradition, the first batch of pilgrims began their journey after performing rituals at the Maa Maya Devi temple in Haridwar. In the case of Gangotri Dham, the palanquin (doli) of Goddess Ganga departed from her winter abode in Mukba village a day prior and halted overnight at Bhairav Temple in Bhairavghati. On the morning of April 30, the palanquin resumed its journey and reached Gangotri, where the temple gates were opened at 10:30 AM, accompanied by Vedic chants and traditional ceremonies, as confirmed by Tirtha Priest Rajesh Semwal.
Simultaneously, the palanquin of Maa Yamuna departed from her winter residence in Kharsali village and reached Yamunotri Dham, where the shrine was opened for devotees at 11:55 AM. Both temple doors will remain open for six months, welcoming devotees for darshan and prayers.
Pilgrim Preparations and Infrastructure Developments
This year, the Char Dham Tour has seen a significant rise in early registrations, with lakhs of devotees signing up in advance, indicating a high influx of pilgrims. To accommodate and support the growing number of visitors, the government has made several infrastructural improvements.
Among the key initiatives are:
• Smart toilet complexes have been constructed at eight key locations along the route.
• Expanded parking facilities near major transit points to ease congestion.
• Registration of over 37,000 horses and mules to support pilgrim transport for the Yamunotri trek route.
These developments are aimed at enhancing the comfort and safety of the pilgrims, particularly in the high-altitude regions where terrain and weather conditions can pose challenges.
The Char Dham Yatra is not just a journey through the Himalayas but a deeply spiritual experience that holds immense cultural and religious essence. Beginning on Akshaya Tritiya adds further spiritual significance to this sacred voyage, believed to bring unending blessings and prosperity. With improved facilities, advanced planning, and renewed devotion, this year’s yatra is set to be both spiritually enriching and better organized for pilgrims from across the country. As the gates to the divine open once again, Devbhoomi invites all seekers to embark on a journey of faith, reflection, and spiritual rejuvenation.
