Rajeev Sharma :- The Kedarnath Yatra has achieved a significant milestone this year, with the number of pilgrims visiting the Himalayan shrine crossing the one-million mark within just 39 days of the temple opening. The development is being seen as one of the fastest surges in pilgrim footfall in the history of the Char Dham Yatra.
The portals of the Kedarnath temple were opened on April 22 amid traditional Vedic rituals, following which devotees from across the country and abroad have been arriving in large numbers. Officials said the shrine has been witnessing an average daily footfall of over 25,000 pilgrims, with the numbers rising further on weekends and holidays.
Authorities have attributed the record turnout to improved infrastructure, better connectivity and extensive arrangements made for pilgrims. Security personnel, disaster response teams and health workers have been deployed along the pilgrimage route to ensure smooth movement and safety of visitors.
The administration has also stepped up surveillance across the yatra corridor through CCTV monitoring and other security measures. Officials said strict action is being taken against illegal activities to maintain the sanctity of the pilgrimage.
The unprecedented influx of devotees has provided a major boost to the local economy. Businesses linked to tourism and pilgrimage, including hotels, transport operators, shopkeepers and pony service providers, have reported a sharp rise in demand since the start of the yatra season.
With the pilgrimage season still underway, officials believe the Kedarnath Yatra could surpass all previous attendance records if the current trend continues in the coming months.
