Closed for nearly six months, the shrines of Uttarakhand - better known as the Chardham - will re-open for pilgrims this coming week. While Yamnotri, Gangotri and Kedarnath open tomorrow (May 9), Badrinath will open on May 11.
Along with the famous-four, the Sikh pilgrimage site of Hemkund Sahib will also open on May 25. Temples off the route dedicated to Lord Shiva such as Tungnath will re-open on May 11, followed by Rudranath on May 18 and Madmaheswar on May 20.
Traditionally, the world-famous Chardham pilgrimage comes to a halt towards first week of November when the shrines become inaccessible due to heavy snowfall. Following spring, around Basant Panchami, dates for the re-opening of the shrines are announced as per ancient rites and rituals.
As the hill-state has been under President's Rule since March 28, Uttarakhand Governor KK Paul has taken a keen interest in the smooth running of the pilgrimage. He ordered officials in-charge to ensure that all facilities and road safety norms were in place before pilgrims started arriving in lakhs for the Chardham season that lasts for just over five months.
Along with the famous-four, the Sikh pilgrimage site of Hemkund Sahib will also open on May 25. Temples off the route dedicated to Lord Shiva such as Tungnath will re-open on May 11, followed by Rudranath on May 18 and Madmaheswar on May 20.
Traditionally, the world-famous Chardham pilgrimage comes to a halt towards first week of November when the shrines become inaccessible due to heavy snowfall. Following spring, around Basant Panchami, dates for the re-opening of the shrines are announced as per ancient rites and rituals.
As the hill-state has been under President's Rule since March 28, Uttarakhand Governor KK Paul has taken a keen interest in the smooth running of the pilgrimage. He ordered officials in-charge to ensure that all facilities and road safety norms were in place before pilgrims started arriving in lakhs for the Chardham season that lasts for just over five months.
