‘Those who say that heaven lies in the clouds must have not yet visited the Chardham circuit.’
Located in the Garhwal Himalayas, the Chardham circuit is an abode to four Hindu deities – Goddess Yamuna, Goddess Ganga, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Since ages, devotees from every nook and corner of the globe visit this circuit, to earn the blessings from the supreme power. There is a strong belief that the blessings earned, presents the gift of salvation from the cycle of life and death. Perhaps, that is why even the unfortunate incident of a flash flood in 2013, failed to break the conviction of the true believers. People still have the stomach to go on Chardham pilgrimage with the same faith, devotion and zest.
The darkness of the past and the rising sun of the present
The flash flood of 2013 led to massive destruction in Garhwal, especially in the Chardham region. It seemed as if life has come to an end. Be it a visitor, a devotee, a priest, or a local, everyone suffered from the curse hailed by the nature. When the peace giving, mother-figure holy rivers turned into destroyers, the whole town fell into a ruin.
However, every night comes to an end with a sunrise. Gradually, Garhwal is also recovering from the gashes of the past. New roads are being constructed, new houses are being made and a better town is under construction. Life has begun to breathe again in Chardham.
When will Chardham Yatra 2014 commence?
It is a tradition that pilgrimage to Chardham begins either in the last week of April or the first week of May, on the propitious occasion of Akshaya Tritya. Further, it ends on the day of Diwali poojan, during mid of October or November. And this time also it is no different.
Opening Dates for Chardham Yatra 2014:
• Yamunotri: 2nd May, 2014
• Gangotri: 2nd May, 2014
• Kedarnath: 4th May, 2014
• Badrinath: 5th May, 2014
Chardham Yatra – A journey towards spiritual enlightenment
