Kedarnath Yatra sees massive rush over 1.24 lakh pilgrims visit shrine in four days

Dehradun- The 2026 Char Dham Yatra has begun on a strong note, with more than 1.24 lakh devotees visiting Kedarnath Dham within just four days of the shrine opening, officials said.

According to data released by the district administration, a total of 1,24,782 pilgrims offered prayers at the temple since its doors were opened on April 22. On Saturday alone, over 31,000 devotees reached the shrine by evening, reflecting a steady surge in footfall.

Rudraprayag District Magistrate Vishal Mishra said the pilgrimage is progressing smoothly under the guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

Officials added that extensive arrangements have been put in place to manage the growing crowd, including deployment of police and administrative teams along the trekking route and at helipads.

Authorities have also introduced systems to streamline darshan for pilgrims. Members of the temple management committee said a token-based has been implemented to ensure smoother access to the shrine and reduce waiting time.

Meanwhile, evening prayers at the temple have commenced following the opening of the nearby Shri Bhairavnath Temple, which traditionally marks the continuation of rituals during the pilgrimage season.

Temple committee officials dismissed reports of mismanagement, stating that coordinated efforts between local administration and residents are ensuring proper arrangements for accommodation, food, and safety of devotees.

A control room has also been set up to monitor the yatra route and respond quickly to emergencies, officials said.