Char Dham Yatra 2010: On a holy trail

P.S. Chatham

At the call of the deities, the pilgrims from all over the globe have started gathering at Haridwar and Rishikesh to embark on the most sacred Char Dham Yatra which begins from Rishikesh on May 16. The portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri, after remaining closed during winter, will reopen for devotees on Akshya Tritya, May 16. Whereas the shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath will open on May 18 and 19, respectively. Both openings will be performed amidst the chanting of the vedic mantras, beating of drums and blowing of conches. The Char Dham Yatra, which is one of the biggest yatras circuits in the world, is the lifeline of the religious tourism in the state as well as the backbone of its economy. Due to Adhimas or Mal Mass (an extra month of Hindu calendar), during which no auspicious rites can be performed, the opening of the four shrines has been delayed by about one month this year. It is the desire of every Hindu to pay obeisance at the four dhams, namely Badrinath (the seat of Lord Vishnu, which symbolizes compassion), Kedarnath (one of the 12 Jyotirlingas on the earth, which symbolizes welfare), Gangotri (the origin of the Ganga, which symbolizes purity) and Yamunotri (the origin of the Yamuna, which stands for devotion). Legend has it that a visit to these holy shrines sets a person free from the vicious cycle of birth and death.

The Char Dham Yatra starts from Rishikesh. Legend has it that Adi Guru Shankracharya installed the statue of lord Vishnu (Bharat) at Bharat Mandir here. So the pilgrims begin their yatra after doing parikarma of Bharat Mandir and taking dip at Triveni Ghat at Rishikesh. The state machinery is fully geared up for the Yatra, expecting heavy influx of the devotees. About 10 lacs pilgrims take part in the yatra every year. The state chief minister, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has declared that the Char Dham Yatra will be held on the pattern of the Kumbh at Haridwar and infrastructure will also be created on the same lines to make the yatra a hassle free affair. To minimize the chances of accidents caused by a desire to complete the yatra in hurry, the administration has fixed the minimum time limit for the yatra this year. The minimum time for the yatra for one dham will be three days and for two it would six days, while the time limit of eight days and ten days has been prescribed for the yatra of three dhams and four dhams, respectively.

Elaborate preparations have been made by the administration for the yatra. Green cards to vehicles will be issued only after examining the fitness of the vehicles, insurance certificate, license of the driver etc. Also strict vigil will be kept to ensure that the drivers do not exceed the prescribed speed limit and do not drive in drunken state. The sources in the transport department say that 12,000 big busses, 3,000 taxis and 200 mini buses will ply on the yatra route. The administration has identified 265 accident prone spots and 12 disastar management units have been set up. The vice president of the Char Dham Yatra Parishad, Surat Ram Nautiyal says that 240 toilets have been constructed and 106 primary health centers have been set up on the yatra route. "As many as 240 water tanks, each with the capacity of 5,000 liters and 469 stand posts have been constructed to cater to the requirement of potable water of the pilgrims," says Nautiyal. Massive security arrangements have also been put in place, including setting up of 54 police posts, deployment of eight companies of the PAC and 2,000 police personnel and installation of CCTV cameras at the shrines.

For the sake of convenience the devotees will not be allowed to remain at the sanctum sanctorum for long period and one VIP or VVIP will be sent along with 30 devotees for prayer in the shrine. The administration of the shrines has also banned the use of all items of plastics. "No body will be allowed to carry polythene in any form. The pilgrims will also not be allowed to take rosary made of plastic or paper. The ban will be strictly enforced to protect the environment of this eco-fragile region," says Anusya Prasad Bhatt, the chairman of Badri-Kedar Samiti. The devotees will be given locally made Prasad, called Adi Prasad, in packets of cloths and baskets made of ringaal (bamboo). "It is not only an eco-friendly step but it will also generate employment for the locals," says Bhatt.