Uttarakhand CM Dhami offers prayers at Bankhandi Mahadev Temple, marks five years in office
Khatima, July 5
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday 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.
Earlier, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026.
Speaking at the occasion, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said, "Everyone eagerly awaits this pilgrimage. Those who are going for this yatra are truly blessed by Lord Shiva. My congratulations and best wishes for your journey."
" I offer my prayers to Lord Shiva for your pleasant, smooth, and safe Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. May Mahadev bless you all. As I said at the beginning, his grace is truly upon you; otherwise, in a nation of 1.4 billion, only 49 people have received this rare opportunity. From the sacred land of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, flagging off the first group of pilgrims is not just an administrative duty for me, but a chance to bow at the feet of Lord Shiva and remember him through you. It is a moment of great devotion," CM added.
On Saturday, CM Dhami inaugurated the newly constructed Academic Block and a state-of-the-art Auditorium at Graphic Era Hill University in Bhimtal, Nainital District.
On the occasion, he also launched the Graphic Era Kaushal Jyoti Yojana, which offers free professional courses to economically weaker yet meritorious students. The Chief Minister felicitated outstanding students of the university as well as beneficiaries pursuing free certificate courses under the Graphic Era Skill Scholarship Scheme.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the occasion was especially significant as the Uttarakhand Government had successfully completed five years of service, good governance, and development.
He stated that over the "past five years, the government has consistently prioritised education, healthcare, infrastructure, employment, and youth empowerment, striving to take Uttarakhand to new heights of development".
He reaffirmed the government's commitment to continue working with the same dedication to achieve new milestones for the state.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Five years already? Time flies! The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a big deal for our state—only 49 people out of 1.4 billion? Waah! That's a rare blessing indeed. Hope the CM's development work matches the spiritual energy he's showing today.
Very nice gesture by CM Dhami to start his fifth year with darshan at Bankhandi Mahadev. But I wish he'd also address the educational issues in remote villages. The inauguration of the university block is good, but what about schools in the hills that still lack basic facilities?
Interesting blend of spirituality and administration—typical for Uttarakhand's "Devbhoomi" identity. The Kaushal Jyoti Yojana sounds like a solid initiative for economically weaker students. If executed well, it could really change lives. Let's see the ground reality though.
Dhami ji ne sahi kaha—Lord Shiva's blessings are on these pilgrims. But five years of governance should be judged by more than temple visits. I want to see concrete results in healthcare, especially in rural areas. Still, happy for the yatra flag-off! 🚩
It's heartwarming that the CM sees flagging off the yatra as a devotional moment, not just an administrative duty. The free courses for poor students are a great step—Bharat needs more such schemes. Hope this continues for the next five years too. 🤞
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