"It is matter of pride for us": Uttarakhand CM Dhami flags off first batch of pilgrims for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026
Tanakpur, July 5
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra-2026 from the Tourist Rest House in Tanakpur, Champawat district.
Speaking to reporters after the flag-off ceremony, the Chief Minister said the state government had made necessary arrangements to ensure the comfortable and safe journey of every pilgrim.
"It's a very auspicious day that today we are flagging off 49 devotees of Lord Shiva for the Yatra. It is an emotional moment for me. We flag off this yatra every year. Our effort is to ensure that the journey of every pilgrim is comfortable and safe. For that, the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, district administration, and health and police departments have been monitoring the yatra," he said.
CM Dhami further added, "It is a matter of pride for us that the yatra passes through our border areas, and spiritual tourism will increase in the coming time. The pilgrims will get an opportunity to understand local products and our culture. After completing the yatra, these pilgrims will act as brand ambassadors for our culture and heritage."
Chief Minister Dhami on Sunday participated in the foundation stone laying (Bhoomi Pujan) ceremony for the construction of the Sharda embankment at Boom Sharda Snan Ghat in Uncholigonth, Tanakpur, Champawat district.
The Chief Minister also took part in the 'Mukhya Sevak Samvad' programme.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dhami on Sunday also marked the completion of five years in office by offering prayers at the Bankhandi Mahadev Temple in Chakarpur, Khatima.
The Chief Minister visited the Bankhandi Mahadev Temple in Khatima and offered holy water as part of the prayers. Bankhandi Mahadev Temple is located in his hometown area and saw the visit as a symbolic gesture to mark his five-year tenure.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's wonderful that the yatra passes through border areas—it brings tourism and economic benefits to Uttarakhand. But I hope the government also focuses on environmental sustainability. The Himalayan ecosystem is fragile and needs protection.
Honestly, this is a good PR move. Flagging off pilgrims on completion of 5 years in office is smart. But what about the infrastructure? The roads to Mansarovar are still not good. Hope they have proper medical facilities this time.
Just amazing how the government prioritises spiritual tourism! As an Indian citizen, it makes me proud to see such yatras being organised. The pilgrims will indeed become brand ambassadors for our culture. Safe travels to all devotees. 🚩
While I appreciate the effort, I question why the government spends so much on such yatras when there are pressing issues like healthcare and education. Also, the environmental impact of large pilgrim groups in ecologically sensitive zones needs serious evaluation.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many Shaivites. Big respect to CM Dhami and the Uttarakhand government for making this possible. The mention of border areas adds a patriotic angle too! 🇮🇳
J James A