Kedarnath Yatra Women SHGs 2025
Rudraprayag, May 5, 2025:
The Shri Kedarnath Yatra 2025 is becoming a powerful source of economic empowerment for women self-help groups (SHGs) in Rudraprayag district. Around 150 women’s groups across the district are engaged in activities ranging from selling prasad, barley, sesame, coin souvenirs, and Badri cow ghee (₹1200/kg) to running homestays, refreshment stalls, and tent operations.
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In Jakholi block, 50 groups are engaged in pilgrimage-related businesses — 30 selling prasad, 10 producing incense sticks (dhoop), and 10 offering local products. In Agastyamuni block, 38 groups are running souvenir stalls, prasad packaging units, and refreshment centers, providing employment to 90 women. In Ukhimath block, 60 groups — including 48 preparing prasad — are involved in the pilgrimage economy.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the Char Dham Yatra serves as an economic backbone for women’s groups, and the government is offering full support from stall allocations to other logistical needs.
Online Prasad & Souvenirs: Local Women’s Hard Work
Now, Kedarnath Prasad is available online, enhancing convenience for devotees. At the Bhatwari-Sain Growth Centre, run by the District Industries Centre, Rudraprayag, local women are crafting replica souvenirs of the Kedarnath Temple. This year alone, 5,000 replicas have already been produced, with work ongoing. These souvenirs are cherished by pilgrims as mementos.
The administration has allocated shops along the pilgrimage route to SHGs, promoting “Vocal for Local” through the sale of quality local products. CM Dhami appealed to devotees to purchase these items and thereby strengthen the livelihoods of local women. This initiative is a significant boost to women’s empowerment and the rural economy of Uttarakhand.
