New Delhi, August 8 – The Indian Army has successfully rescued ten pilgrims from Banaskantha district in Gujarat who were stranded in Dharali, Uttarakhand, following a disaster. The rescued pilgrims were transported to Rishikesh and are now on their way back to Banaskantha.

The group, residents of Chichodra village in Bhabhar taluka, had travelled to Uttarakhand on a religious pilgrimage. Communication with their families was lost on August 5 due to the disaster, causing growing concern among relatives. As per agency report, contact was re-established on August 7 at around 4 pm, allowing families to connect via video calls and breathe a sigh of relief.

Officials confirmed that the Army evacuated ten out of eleven pilgrims from the disaster-hit area by helicopter, while one pilgrim chose to continue the journey voluntarily. The region’s connectivity suffered severe disruption after a cloudburst in Dharali, which damaged roads and communication networks.

In response, the Army swiftly deployed satellite and radio relay systems, enabling stranded people to reconnect with their families through satellite internet. The Army’s Engineer Regiment also began critical repair and construction work to restore access between Dharali and Mukhwa village.

According to Uttarkashi Police, rescue operations are being carried out jointly by the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, fire services, and the revenue department. Stranded individuals are being airlifted to the ITBP camp in Matli, with operations continuing since morning. Authorities have confirmed that the rescue mission will go on until the entire area is cleared.

Rudraprayag, June 7 – A helicopter carrying pilgrims to Kedarnath was forced to make an emergency landing on a highway in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district on Saturday after experiencing a technical fault mid-air. As per agency report, the aircraft, operated by Kestrel Aviation, had five passengers and a pilot onboard, all of whom escaped the incident unharmed. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Footage circulating on social media shows the helicopter parked in the middle of a highway, dangerously close to residential buildings. The aircraft’s tail rotor reportedly struck a car during the landing, causing damage. Officials stated that the helicopter had departed from Barasu helipad for Kedarnath, but soon encountered a technical issue, prompting the pilot to make a controlled emergency landing near Sirsi.

Eyewitnesses described the moment as alarming, as the helicopter appeared unstable in the air before descending abruptly onto the road. Local authorities confirmed that all six occupants escaped injury, with the pilot being the only one requiring medical attention due to back pain.

Rahul Chaubey, the nodal officer for Kedarnath helicopter services, clarified that the emergency incident has not disrupted the ongoing Kedarnath temple shuttle services. Efforts to remove the helicopter from the highway are currently underway.

The police have urged pilgrims travelling to Kedarnath via road to remain at their current locations, as the process of clearing the aircraft may take some time. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the helicopter involved was an AW119 registered as VT-RNK, piloted by Captain R.P.S. Sodhi. Preliminary information suggests that the issue was detected shortly after takeoff, and the pilot promptly diverted for a highway landing near the helipad.

DGCA has deployed a team to the site to conduct a detailed investigation. The helicopter had taken off from Barasu (Sirsi) helipad at 12:52 PM.

This marks the fourth such helicopter-related incident along the Char Dham pilgrimage route within a month. On May 8, a tragic crash near Gangnani in Uttarkashi claimed six lives, including five women pilgrims and the pilot, when a helicopter headed to Gangotri temple went down. On May 12, another helicopter returning from Badrinath had to land in a school field in Ukhimath due to poor visibility, though no one was harmed. Similarly, on May 17, a helicopter ambulance from AIIMS Rishikesh crash-landed near the Kedarnath helipad, but all three on board survived without injuries.

The recurrence of such incidents has raised questions about safety measures in place for aerial services during the Char Dham Yatra, prompting aviation authorities to enhance scrutiny and review protocols for flights in the high-altitude terrain of Uttarakhand.

Uttarkashi, May 8 – A tragic helicopter crash occurred on Thursday morning near Gangnani in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, claiming the lives of six people, including five pilgrims and the pilot. One passenger survived with critical injuries, officials confirmed. The incident has prompted a detailed investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

The helicopter, operated by a private company, Aerotrans Services Pvt. Ltd., was ferrying pilgrims from Yamunotri to Gangotri and was scheduled to land at Harsil helipad. According to the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the aircraft crashed into a gorge 200–250 meters deep near the Rishikesh-Gangotri National Highway at approximately 8:11 AM.

Immediately after receiving the distress alert, teams from the district administration, local police, and SDRF rushed to the crash site to begin rescue operations. The victims were identified as pilot Robin Singh (60) from Vadodara, Vijayalakshmi Reddy (57) and Ruchi Agarwal (56) from Powai in Mumbai, Kala Chandrakant Soni (61), Radha Agarwal (79) from Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, and Vedanti Devi (48) from Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh.

Vedanti Devi’s husband, Maktur Bhaskar (51), was the lone survivor and was critically injured. He was airlifted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rishikesh for urgent medical treatment, according to Uttarkashi District Magistrate Dr. Mehrbar Singh Bisht.

As per agency report, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He stated on social media platform X that rescue teams reached the site promptly and all efforts were being made to support the injured and investigate the cause of the crash. He further mentioned that he was in constant touch with officials and closely monitoring the situation.

The AAIB, under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and recommend safety enhancements. Officials confirmed that the crashed aircraft was a Bell helicopter operated by the private firm, which also owns another Bell helicopter and a Cessna aircraft, as per records available on the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) website.

The AAIB is tasked with investigating aviation accidents within Indian airspace and classifying incidents to propose safety improvements, making its involvement in this case critical to preventing similar tragedies in the future.

New Delhi, March 28 – The annual Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is set to begin from April 30 this year, with over nine lakh devotees already registered for the pilgrimage. In light of increasing crowd and concerns over decorum, new rules have been introduced, particularly targeting social media influencers and video creators.

One of the key decisions taken by the administration and temple authorities is a complete ban on shooting videos and making social media reels inside temple premises. Pilgrims found violating this rule will be sent back without being allowed to complete their darshan. This step comes after last year’s incidents where video-making disrupted temple decorum and caused crowd mismanagement.

In Kedarnath, it was reported that musical instruments like drums were played solely for video content, disturbing the spiritual atmosphere and the natural serenity of the site. In response, the administration has now strictly prohibited the use of cameras inside the temple.

Additionally, VIP darshan privileges have also been withdrawn for this year’s yatra. Ashok Todariya, Treasurer of the Badrinath Dham Panda Panchayat, stated that facilitating priority access in exchange for money goes against the sanctity of divine worship. Hence, all devotees will follow the same queue system, ensuring equal opportunity for darshan.

The yatra will commence with the opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines on April 30, followed by Kedarnath on May 2 and Badrinath on May 4. To manage the large influx of pilgrims and ensure safety, the pilgrimage route has been divided into 10-kilometre segments, each monitored by six police personnel.

In case of adverse weather conditions, the administration has also created 10 designated holding zones along the route. These shelters will provide food, water, and essential services to offer respite to stranded pilgrims.

The new guidelines aim to restore the spiritual sanctity of the Char Dham Yatra, ensuring that the experience remains peaceful, inclusive, and focused on devotion rather than digital content creation.

Uttarkashi, October 11: The sacred doors of the Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines will close for the winter season on November 2 and 3, respectively. Following tradition, the Gangotri Dham gates will shut at 12:14 PM on November 2 during the auspicious *Abhijeet Muhurat* on the occasion of Annakut festival. Meanwhile, Yamunotri Dham’s gates will close on Bhaiya Dooj on November 3. The timings for the gate closures are traditionally determined during the Sharad Navratri.

On Friday, the priests of both Gangotri and Yamunotri announced the auspicious moments for the closing of the shrines. After the closure on November 2, the deity's Doli will depart from Gangotri and rest overnight at the *Markandeya* temple, before moving to its winter residence in the village of Mukhwa on November 3.

Suresh Semwal, secretary of the Gangotri Temple Committee, informed that following tradition, the closing date of Gangotri shrine is decided on the first day of Sharad Navratri. This year, Maa Ganga’s Doli will reach her maternal home in Mukhwa for her six-month winter stay on November 3. Other members of the temple committee were also present during the announcement.

Similarly, the priests of Yamunotri Dham have confirmed that the gates of the shrine will close on November 3, as per the *Muhurat* decided on Dussehra. According to Ashish Uniyal, Rawal of Yamunotri Dham, Maa Yamuna's Doli will travel to Kharsali village on November 3 for the winter stay, accompanied by the Doli of Someshwar Devta.

Badrinath/Kedarnath – The Char Dham Yatra has seen a significant resurgence in pilgrim numbers, with over 3.57 million devotees having visited the sacred sites thus far. Since the second week of September, the number of pilgrims visiting the Badrinath and Kedarnath temples has steadily increased, with around 3,000 to 4,000 devotees arriving daily. The local administration is focused on ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey for the visitors by improving the facilities.

The doors of Kedarnath Temple opened to devotees on May 10, and the site has seen a record 1.14 million pilgrims visit so far, the highest number among the Char Dham locations. Badrinath has received 989,282 pilgrims, bringing the combined total for these two holy sites to over 2.13 million. Additionally, Gangotri has welcomed 665,911 devotees, Yamunotri 583,455, and Hemkund 166,503.

Ajendra Ajay, Chairman of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), stated that the government, temple committee, and local administration are all working diligently to provide the best possible facilities for the pilgrims. Following the disaster on July 31, the state government quickly restored the trekking paths, allowing the second phase of the yatra to resume at full speed. Thousands of devotees are now visiting Kedarnath daily, and efforts are being made to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for all visitors.

Palanpur — Forty pilgrims from Palanpur, who embarked on the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, have been stranded on the Badrinath-Yamunotri road following massive landslides caused by incessant heavy rains. The adverse weather conditions have led to road traffic being halted as landslides have rendered several key routes impassable.

In Chamoli district, the alternative route of the Badrinath Highway from Nandprayag to Kot Kotiyalsen has been closed due to landslides. Similarly, both the Yamunotri and Badrinath Highways have been shut down after rocks and debris fell onto the roads. The administration is actively working to remove the fallen stones and clear the paths.

Agency Reports indicate that near Tharali Chepdo on the Tharali-Dewal road, two large pine trees were uprooted and fell due to a landslide, blocking the road for over 12 hours. Efforts are underway to remove them with the help of JCB machines. Additionally, the Badrinath Highway at Chatwapipal near Karnaprayag is blocked, with a significant number of pilgrims stranded at that location as well.

The Yamunotri Highway has also been affected, with rockfalls causing closures. Near Radi, the road blockage has severed the Yamuna Valley's connection to the district headquarters, leaving locals and pilgrims isolated.

According to officials, heavy rainfall on Saturday morning triggered landslides at multiple points along the Badrinath National Highway, including areas like Lambagad, Nandprayag, Sonal, and Barrage Kunj. The road between Sakot and Nandprayag, which serves as an alternative route, has also been closed due to landslides.

Chamoli district police have reported frequent road closures due to the persistent heavy rains causing landslides along the Badrinath National Highway. "Our teams are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. We are making all efforts to relocate them to safer places," a police spokesperson said.

Rescue operations are in full swing as the administration deploys resources to clear the debris and restore connectivity. Pilgrims and locals are advised to remain at safe locations and follow instructions from authorities. Weather forecasts predict continued rainfall, and officials have urged people to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel in the affected areas.

The state government is monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with disaster management teams to expedite relief efforts. The stranded pilgrims from Palanpur and other areas are receiving assistance, including food and shelter, until they can safely proceed with their journey.

Travelers planning to visit Uttarakhand are advised to stay updated on the latest weather and road conditions and to heed warnings issued by the meteorological department and local authorities.

Nainital (Uttarakhand) [India], August 27: Nestled in the scenic town of Nainital, CenterCourt Sports Bar & Grill is far more than a culinary spot; it’s a unique fusion of sports enthusiasm, rich Himalayan flavors, and a tribal family’s long-standing dream. Founded in 2021 by Bhupendra Singh, a descendant of erstwhile Silk Route traders, this venture blends the family’s trading legacy with their passion for food, sports, and innovation.

For generations, their family traded Himalayan spices and goods across the Tibetan border. Bhupendra, however, envisioned something different—a vibrant sports-themed café that not only serves delicious meals but also celebrates the spirit of sportsmanship in Haldwani, a tier-3 town often overshadowed by its more famous tourist counterparts.

CenterCourt is designed to be a hub for sports lovers, where guests can indulge in a lively atmosphere filled with sports memorabilia, live screenings, and a curated menu inspired by both local and global flavors. Families, tourists, and locals alike can enjoy the best of both worlds—a place where sports meets socializing. The rooftop venue, overlooking the 180-degree view of the Nainital hills, provides the perfect backdrop for fans to cheer on their favorite teams while enjoying live music.

The café’s innovative approach to food is matched by its commitment to creating an all-inclusive sports experience. From weekend tournaments and game nights to live match screenings, CenterCourt seamlessly integrates sports into its DNA. The blend of Himalayan herbs and spices with popular game-day snacks offers a fresh take on comfort food, making it a favorite among those who come not just for the ambiance, but for the excitement that fills the air during major sports events.

Breaking the stereotype of restro-bars being inaccessible for families, CenterCourt has become a popular destination for all age groups, offering a cozy private dining lounge for those seeking a quieter retreat. Whether it’s catching a match or enjoying a casual meal, CenterCourt’s community-driven vibe brings people together under a shared love for sports.

As Uttarakhand’s largest rooftop sports café, CenterCourt is now ready to expand beyond Nainital. With its successful concept, the brand seeks partners who are as passionate about sports and hospitality as they are. The goal is to take this vibrant mix of tradition, taste, and sports culture nationwide, transforming the way people experience both food and entertainment in tier-3 towns.

CenterCourt isn’t just a dining spot; it’s a movement to redefine how sports and socializing blend seamlessly into modern café culture. As they gear up to expand, CenterCourt invites those who share their vision to join them in bringing this exciting concept to more corners of the country.

Jammu, 31 July (H.S.): Over 4.71 lakh devotees had ‘darshan’ during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra so far breaking last year’s entire Yatra record of 4.45 lakh pilgrims as another batch of 1,654 pilgrims left Jammu for the Valley on Wednesday.

“This number is more than last year’s total pilgrim number of 4.45 lakh who went to Amarnath cave shrine during the entire Yatra period. Yesterday, 5,000 devotees performed the Yatra while a new batch of 1,654 left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the Valley in two escorted convoys. Both convoys left for the Valley at 3.20 a.m.,” officials said.

“First escorted convoy of 17 vehicles carrying 456 pilgrims left for the North Kashmir Baltal base camp. The second escorted convoy of 34 vehicles carrying
1,198 Yatris left for the South Kashmir Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp”, officials said.

Arrangements of security, community kitchens (Langars), transit and base camps and the ubiquitous presence of security forces all along the highway from Jammu to Kashmir have ensured a safe, smooth and hassle-free Yatra this year.

The most important helping hand to the Yatris is provided by the locals. These locals employ ponies and work as porters for the pilgrims often carrying the weak and infirm devotees on their back up and down the treacherous mountain route on both sides of approach.

The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that this ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva. 

The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas. Devotees approach the cave shrine either from the traditional South Kashmir Pahalgam route or the North Kashmir Baltal route. 

The Pahalgam-Cave shrine axis is 48 Km long and takes Yatris 4-5 days to reach the shrine. The Baltal-Cave shrine axis is 14 Km long and takes one day for the pilgrims to have ‘darshan’ and return to the base camp.

Helicopter services are also available for the pilgrims both at Baltal on the North Kashmir route and at Chandanwari on the South Kashmir route.

This year’s Yatra will conclude after 52 days on August 19 coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.

Katra, 18 July (H.S.): Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) today unveiled its new Yagyashala at Bhawan, designed to provide sacred space for devotees with enhanced Hawan Poojan facilities and to perform other religious rituals.

The unveiling was marked by a grand ceremony of installation of Murti Sthapna of the divine idol of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji after successful completion of a sacred Yagya performed for Pran Pratishtha spanning across three day.

The ceremony was attended by Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Dr Neelam Sareen, Suresh Kumar Sharma (Retd Judge) and Raghu K Mehta, Members SMVDSB; Vikas Anand, SDM Bhawan; esteemed donors alongwith other officers and staff of the Shrine Board, besides pilgrims at large. A group of Pandits led by Padma Shri Prof Vishwamurti Shastri, performed the sacred rituals and offerings.

The new Yagyashala has been constructed near the old Bathing Ghat below the Atka area at main Bhawan comprising five Hawan Kunds, spread over an area of 1600 sq ft enabling 10 groups of pilgrims to avail the facility of Hawan Poojan simultaneously from only upto three groups at present. Besides, an approach gallery has also been created with a covered area of 1100 sq.ft leading up to the Yagyashala which can facilitate participation of more than 100 pilgrims in the Shat Chandi Mahayagya being conducted regularly during Navratra.

This facility not only harmoniously blends traditional design elements with modern amenities but also features a spacious and well ventilated area for facilitating participation in collective prayers, rituals and special ceremonies.

Notably, this improved facility of new Yagyashala has been created as per the approval accorded by the Board at its 72nd Meeting held this year on April, 3 after considering the limitation in the facilities of Hawan Poojan for the pilgrims owing to space constraints and their limited participation in the existing Yagyashala on the special occasions.

The CEO underscored that the new Yagyashala will host regular Hawan Poojans and shall provide pilgrims with ample opportunities to engage in spiritual practices and seek the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji.

New Delhi, 30 June (HS): On Sunday, a large avalanche swept across Gandhi Sarovar near Kedarnath. A video of an avalanche racing down the slopes became popular on social media. However, no casualties have been recorded thus far.

On Sunday morning, at 5 a.m., an avalanche hit the icy peak behind Kedarnath Dham. At roughly 5 a.m. on Sunday, an avalanche fell from above the Gandhi Sarovar in Kedarnath. Dr Vishakha Ashok Bhadane, senior superintendent of police in Rudraprayag, stated that no lives or property were lost. The snow fell heavily from the mountain, and snow dust began to rise from it. This created a sensation in Kedarnath. The avalanche lasted for quite some time. However, avalanches are not infrequent on this peak.

Nandan Singh Rajwar, a disaster management official, revealed that the sector officer of Kedarnath reported an avalanche on the hill above Gandhi Sarovar on Sunday morning. ?However, no damage was inflicted by the avalanche. He added that such avalanches happen from time to time on this mountain. Such events occur when there is heavy snowfall. They do not cause any damage," he stated.

Nainital, June 15 (HS). A flood of faith surged to receive prasad with the first ray of the sun in the morning at the world famous Kainchidham of Uttarakhand. A large number of people are attending the fair today on the 60th foundation day of Kainchidham of Hanuman devotee Brahmalin Baba Neeb Karori. Tourist pressure increased in Nainital as well as Bhimtal, Kainchi, Bhawali and Mukteshwar since twenty-four hours ago. Most of the hotels everywhere are full.

The police say that today the area from Bhawali to Kainchidham will be a zero zone. SDRF-NDRF will also be deployed at various places. Kainchi temple manager Pradeep Shah had told reporters yesterday that on Saturday, after the worship of Baba, prasad will be given to the devotees after offering bhog. Devotees will be able to take prasad from 6 am to 9 pm. More than two lakh devotees from India and abroad are expected to reach Kainchidham today. A team of 40 artisans from Vrindavan has been making Malpua Prasad in Kainchidham since June 12.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has congratulated the people on the foundation day of this Dham this morning. He wrote on the X handle, "Hearty congratulations and best wishes on the Pratishtha Diwas of Shri Kainchidham, the holy place of penance of Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj." Apart from this, Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Premchand Aggarwal has also written on X, "Hearty congratulations and best wishes to all the devotees on the Pratishtha Diwas of the great saint Neem Karauli Baba, the supreme worshipper of Lord Hanuman.''