📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Post of India
Religion
Over 4.8 million pilgrims set a record on Char Dham Yatra despite monsoon
✍️ Asianet Newsable
🗓 22 Aug 2026, 11:48 PM
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More than 4.8 million devotees visited the four sacred shrines of Uttarakhand this season, marking the highest turnout ever, even as heavy rains persisted.
The Char Dham Yatra, encompassing the revered shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, recorded a footfall of over 4.8 million pilgrims this season, the highest number ever documented for the pilgrimage. The figure, released by the Uttarakhand tourism department, reflects a steady increase in pilgrim numbers despite the challenges posed by the monsoon.
The pilgrimage, traditionally undertaken between May and October, draws devotees from across India seeking spiritual merit. This year, the influx remained robust even as the region experienced persistent rainfall, which often hampers travel in the mountainous terrain.
State authorities reported that special measures, including reinforced road maintenance and additional safety patrols, were deployed to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims. Temporary shelters and medical camps were also set up at key points along the routes to address any emergencies arising from the weather.
Local businesses in the hill towns reported a surge in demand for accommodation, food and transport services, underscoring the economic boost that the pilgrimage brings to the region despite the monsoon constraints.
The pilgrimage, traditionally undertaken between May and October, draws devotees from across India seeking spiritual merit. This year, the influx remained robust even as the region experienced persistent rainfall, which often hampers travel in the mountainous terrain.
State authorities reported that special measures, including reinforced road maintenance and additional safety patrols, were deployed to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims. Temporary shelters and medical camps were also set up at key points along the routes to address any emergencies arising from the weather.
Local businesses in the hill towns reported a surge in demand for accommodation, food and transport services, underscoring the economic boost that the pilgrimage brings to the region despite the monsoon constraints.