The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand resumed on Monday, September 28, after remaining suspended for two days because of adverse weather conditions. The pilgrimage was halted on September 26 and 27 following heavy rainfall and weather alerts across several parts of the state.The administration has allowed pilgrims to proceed towards the Char Dham shrines after an improvement in weather conditions. However, officials have advised devotees to remain cautious and closely follow weather updates and directions issued by local authorities.Key HighlightsChar Dham Yatra resumed on September 28 after a two-day suspension.The pilgrimage was halted on September 26 and 27 due to adverse weather.Weather conditions have improved, allowing the yatra to restart.Pilgrims have been advised to exercise caution and follow official instructions.The Kedarnath trekking route near Chirbasa remains closed due to debris and boulders.Kedarnath pilgrimage is continuing through helicopter services.Authorities are maintaining close monitoring of routes and weather conditions.Why Was Char Dham Yatra Suspended?The Uttarakhand government temporarily suspended the Char Dham Yatra because of heavy rainfall and warnings of difficult weather conditions.The India Meteorological Department had issued red and orange alerts for several districts of Uttarakhand, prompting authorities to prioritise the safety of pilgrims travelling through vulnerable Himalayan routes.The suspension was implemented from September 26 through September 27. Officials said the decision was based on weather forecasts and concerns over the safety of pilgrims arriving from different parts of India and abroad.Char Dham Yatra Resumes After Weather ImprovementWith weather conditions improving, Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop directed the concerned district administrations to allow the pilgrimage to resume.The Char Dham Yatra Management and Control Organisation in Rishikesh also issued directions regarding the resumption of the pilgrimage. Thousands of devotees are now expected to continue their journeys towards the four shrines.Officials have nevertheless stressed that rainy conditions continue in parts of Uttarakhand and that pilgrims should not ignore local advisories.Kedarnath Route Remains A ConcernWhile the overall yatra has resumed, the situation on some individual routes remains challenging.The trekking route to Kedarnath near Chirbasa has been damaged by debris and boulders following heavy rainfall. Movement through the affected section is currently closed while repair and strengthening work is carried out.Pilgrims travelling to Kedarnath can continue to use helicopter services, which are operating for the shrine.Pilgrims Advised to Exercise CautionThe Uttarakhand administration has asked pilgrims to remain alert because weather conditions can change quickly in the Himalayan region.Devotees have been advised to:Check the latest weather updates before starting their journey.Follow instructions from district authorities and police.Avoid travelling through routes that have been declared unsafe.Stay at designated safe locations if movement is temporarily stopped.Follow official updates regarding road and trekking-route conditions.The administration has also directed departments and yatra nodal officers to maintain vigilance across the pilgrimage routes.Char Dham Yatra RegistrationPilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are required to complete the prescribed registration and verification process.The official Uttarakhand Tourism portal provides online registration for the yatra and updates regarding weather-related restrictions. The government had advised pilgrims to avoid travelling on the Char Dham routes during the suspension period and to remain at safe locations.Pilgrims should check the official portal and local administration updates before beginning or continuing their journey.What Happens Next?The Char Dham Yatra will continue under close monitoring as authorities assess weather conditions and road safety.The administration is particularly focused on vulnerable sections affected by rainfall, landslides and debris. Pilgrims have been asked to prioritise safety and follow official instructions instead of taking risks on blocked or damaged routes.With the yatra now resumed, authorities will continue monitoring weather conditions across Uttarakhand to ensure that pilgrimage routes remain safe for devotees.
