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Dehradun: The Char Dham Yatra 2026 has started with overwhelming enthusiasm as the doors of the four holy shrines—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—opened to devotees.

In just five days, more than 1,30,000 pilgrims have visited, with Kedarnath Dham alone recording 63,000 visitors in the first two days.

On April 19, the doors of Yamunotri and Gangotri opened on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. On April 22, the doors of Kedarnath Dham were opened with Vedic chants and rituals. The following day, April 23, the doors of Badrinath Dham also opened, marking the full commencement of the yatra.

Kedarnath Dham: More than 38,000 devotees visited on the first day, followed by 25,000 on the second day, totalling 63,000 pilgrims in two days.

Yamunotri Dham: By April 23, a total of 27,384 devotees had visited, including men, women, and children.

Gangotri Dham: On April 23 alone, 6,104 devotees visited, bringing the total to 26,112 pilgrims so far.

Badrinath Dham: On the first day of opening, 14,091 devotees paid obeisance to Badri Vishal.

Together, these numbers show that 1,30,839 devotees have already participated in the yatra within five days.

With such large numbers, authorities have taken steps to ensure safety and order. Police Commissioner Vikas Pundir confirmed that a token system has been implemented at Kedarnath Dham. Devotees are allowed darshan according to their tokens, preventing overcrowding. Separate entry and exit gates have also been designated inside the temple complex.

Rudraprayag District Magistrate Vishal Mishra and Superintendent of Police Niharika Tomar are stationed at Kedarnath Dham, constantly monitoring arrangements. They are interacting with devotees and resolving issues immediately to ensure a smooth experience.

Devotees’ enthusiasm

Pilgrims from across India have expressed joy at the improved arrangements. Many said the token system has made darshan easier compared to previous years. The atmosphere at the shrines is filled with devotion, with chants, prayers, and rituals creating a spiritual environment for all visitors.

The Char Dham Yatra 2026 has begun on a grand scale, with Kedarnath alone welcoming 63,000 devotees in two days and more than 1.3 lakh pilgrims visiting all four shrines in five days. With effective crowd management, token systems, and administrative vigilance, the pilgrimage is progressing smoothly, promising a spiritually vibrant season ahead.