Paritosh Kimothi/Dehradun
Tourism, Culture and Public Works minister Satpal Maharaj said that maintaining the sanctity and ensuring cleanliness of the Char Dham and other shrines is the highest form of worship for pilgrims undertaking the Yatra. In addition to this, those undertaking the pilgrimage to high altitude shrines like Kedarnath are being encouraged to acclimatise by breaking up their journey. This will not only help them acclimatise to higher altitudes but also give them an opportunity to visit other important religious centres and tourist destinations en route. In an exclusive interaction with The Pioneer, Maharaj said that the government is focusing more on ensuring the sanctity and sanitation in the Char Dham during this year’s Yatra. “I appeal to the pilgrims to comprehend that this is the land of gods. They should abstain from generating plastic and other waste and refrain from noise. Maintaining the sanctity and cleanliness is the highest form of Pooja in this hallowed place,” he said.
Maharaj further said that due to the developments facilitated by the government, it now takes nine to 10 hours to reach pilgrimage centres by road in the higher reaches. “In many cases, this means that the pilgrims are unable to acclimatise to the higher altitude. We appeal to the pilgrims- especially the aged- to break their journey, make halts on the route. For example, one travelling to Kedarnath halting at Guptkashi should also visit important pilgrimage centres like Kalimath, Kali Shila and Ukhimath. In addition to enhancing the spiritual experience and knowledge of the pilgrims, this will also enable homestays facilitated by the government in these places to cater to the visitors. Such breaks in the pilgrimage will also enable the authorities to adjust the management according to the carrying capacity in the interest of the pilgrims. In order to further enhance facilities for pilgrims, the Tourism department has also asked hotels and restaurants on the Yatra circuit to display boards of ‘free WC’ on their premises. Such hygienic toilet facilities should be available for free to pilgrims on the circuit. We have also asked that waiters in restaurants and proper dhabas on the route should wear gloves while serving and that focus should be laid on hygiene. Similar directions for providing free toilet and clean drinking water facilities have also been issued to petrol pumps on the Yatra circuit,” Maharaj said.
On the issue of YouTubers exploiting the pilgrimage to gain popularity, the minister stressed, “Our Devatas are not hungry for TRP or popularity. I confirmed that five FIRs have been lodged against vloggers for inappropriate actions. We request all to understand that faith and heritage are important. Consumption of liquor and non-vegetarian food is prohibited in spiritual areas like the Char Dham,” he said.
Recalling his experience of visiting a temple in Madurai, he said that all males visiting the temple are allowed in while wearing nothing but a Dhoti. “I asked a temple functionary the reason behind this and was told that this makes all devotees equal in front of the lord in the temple. We cannot expect this to be replicated in the cold climate of Uttarakhand but we are working on gradually educating pilgrims visiting Uttarakhand and encouraging customs suited to the climate and culture of the State,” he said.
