Char Dham Yatra: First batch of pilgrims leave from Haridwar; health facilities made available en route

Haridwar (Uttarakhand), April 22: The first batch of pilgrims left Haridwar for the Char Dham Yatra 2023 on Saturday. The yatra began from Yamunotri Dham on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya on Saturday.

A huge crowd of devotees gathered at Gangotri Dham as the portals of Gangotri Temple were opened to the devotees. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the departure of Maa Yamuna's Doli from Kharsali village. A helicopter showered flower petals on Uttarakhand CM Dhami and locals.

CM Dhami said the Char Dham Yatra 2023 began from Yamunotri Dham on Saturday and after this, the portals of Gangotri Dham would be open later in the day.

"The Char Dham Yatra began from Yamunotri Dham on Saturday. After this, the portals of Gangotri Dham would be opened.  Kedarnath Dham would be opened on April 25 while Badrinath Dham on April 27. The first puja was held on behalf of PM Narendra Modi...," said Dhami.

Each year, the palanquin carrying the idol of Goddess Yamuna is taken out amid the chanting of Vedic hymns. Situated at the heights of the great Himalayas, the four pilgrim destinations Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath are collectively known as Char Dham. These religious centres draw large numbers of pilgrims each year and are the most famous hubs of religious travel across the Northern part of India.

Pilgrims to get best health services en route

The government has made all possible efforts to make Char Dham Yatra smooth and safe for the devotees. The pilgrims will get the best health services en route.  Health Secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar said the Health Department had made complete preparations during the Char Dham Yatra.

"Guidelines ie SOP have been issued for the journey. In this, travellers have been suggested to acclimatise their body to the mountain weather during the journey. If you are facing difficulty then rest for some time and only then travel," he said.

The Health Secretary said "the government welcomes all pilgrims coming for the yatra. But at the same time, there is an appeal that if the devotees above 55 years of age are suffering from any disease such as sugar, BP, heart disease etc., then mention it". He said such devotees would be monitored through 104.

According to the Health Secretary, this time the government has a special focus on the Kedarnath pilgrimage route. "A medical relief post has been made here at every km. To improve health services in Char Dham, 130 doctors have been deployed. Doctors, paramedical staff, oxygen cylinders and medicines will be available in this. This time there will be a point-of-care testing device. Testing of 28 types of diseases can be done with this device," he said. Apart from this, health ATMs have also been installed on the route.