Char Dham Yatra (Tour) 2010 commences in Uttarakhand amidst tight security

The annual Chardham Yatra kicked off on the auspicious day of "Akshya Tritiya" (16th May 2010)

. The doors of the Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines were opened to pilgrims after a gap of six months. According to officials, scores of pilgrims visited the two temples and offered prayer on the first day of this Yatra season. With the chanting of hymns & shlokas by the pujaris (Priests), the atmosphere of the temples became extremely sacred.

The doors of Yamunotri shrine which is situated at a height of 3700 M in Uttarkashi district, was thrown open at 11 AM (16 the May-10). Approximately two hours later, the doors of the Gangotri shrine were opened for the pilgrims amid great religious enthusiasm.

The Chardham yatra collectively comprises of pilgrimage to holy shrines situated at Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri in the Garhwal region of Himalayas. It spans for six months duration and is visited by thousands of devotees from all across the world.

This year, owing to a series of low-intensity earthquakes that struck the Uttarakhand hills recently, the State government has made full security arrangements for the pilgrims. The whole region of the Uttarakhand Himalayas has been categorized as "Zone V", since it is susceptible to seismic events and hence all necessary measures required for the safety of pilgrims have been taken by the officials prior to the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra.

"Rescue and relief centers have been set up in eight districts. Similar centers will be shortly coming up in other five districts as well. Also equipments required for carrying out such rescue & relief operations have been made available to all our officials. All of these will provide immediate relief to affected pilgrims in case earthquake or other disaster strikes the Char Dham circuit in the coming six months." Mr. Das said.

Due to the topology of the region the entire Char Dham circuit is also highly prone to road accidents. "In view of these, we have instructed our officials to take up all necessary measures that are required to maintain the safety & security of thousands of pilgrims who are expected to visit the Char Dham sites," said Minister of State for Disaster Management, Mr. Khajan Das.

Char Dham Yatra (Tour) 2010 commences in Uttarakhand amidst tight security

By: Ethan Thompson

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