Char Dham Yatra 2024

• 11 May 2024

Why in News?

Recently, The ritualistic commencement of the Gangotri shrine began, as the idol of goddess Ganga was transported from her winter abode in Mukhba village to Gangotri.

Key Points

• As per tradition, the ceremony began with prayers of goddess Ganga before placing her on a palanquin and parading her out of the temple.
• The initial group of pilgrims departed from Rishikesh. Various groups were also sent off from different places by religious figures and political leaders.
• The gates of Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri will open on Akshay Tritiya (10^th May, 2024) , with the Badrinath Dham set to open on 12^th May 2024.

Char Dham

• Yamunotri Dham:
  • Location: Uttarkashi district.
  • Dedicated to: Goddess Yamuna.
  • River Yamuna is the second-most sacred river in India after River Ganga.
• Gangotri Dham:
  • Location: Uttarkashi district.
  • Dedicated to: Goddess Ganga.
  • Considered the most sacred of all Indian rivers.
• Kedarnath Dham:
  • Location: Rudraprayag district.
  • Dedicated to: Lord Shiva.
  • Situated on the bank of the Mandakini River.
  • One of the 12 Jyotirlingas (divine representations of Lord Shiva) in India.
• Badrinath Dham:
  • Location: Chamoli district.
  • Home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple.
  • Dedicated to: Lord Vishnu.
  • One of the holy shrines for Vaishnavites .