NewKerala.com

Gangotri & Yamunotri Temples Open, Marking Start of Char Dham Yatra 2026

The portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham were opened with Vedic rituals on Akshaya Tritiya, officially commencing the Char Dham Yatra 2026. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the ceremony at Gangotri, where the first prayers were offered in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Chief Minister highlighted the extensive arrangements made by the state government for a safe, smooth, and well-organized pilgrimage. He appealed to devotees to support a green and clean yatra, emphasizing environmental conservation.

Key Points: Char Dham Yatra Begins as Gangotri, Yamunotri Temples Open

  • Temples opened on Akshaya Tritiya
  • First prayers offered for PM Modi
  • State govt ensures pilgrim safety
  • Focus on green and clean yatra
2 min read

Uttarakhand: Portals of Gangotri, Yamunotri Dham open for devotees

Uttarakhand's Char Dham Yatra 2026 commences with the ceremonial opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri temples on Akshaya Tritiya.

"The four sacred shrines of Uttarakhand are major centres of faith for devotees from across the country and abroad. - Pushkar Singh Dhami"

Uttarkashi, April 19

The portals of Gangotri Dham and Yamunotri Dham were ceremonially opened for devotees on Sunday on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, with Vedic chanting and traditional rituals. With this, the Char Dham Yatra 2026 in Uttarakhand has officially commenced.

On this sacred occasion, the first prayers at both shrines were offered in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the opening ceremony at Gangotri Dham, where he took a ceremonial pledge and performed the first worship in the Prime Minister's name, praying for the successful conduct of the Char Dham Yatra and for peace, prosperity, and well-being across the nation and the state.

As per religious traditions, the ceremonial palanquin (doli) of Goddess Ganga departed from the Bhairav Temple at Bhairav Ghati and reached Gangotri Dham. Following special rituals and abhishek, the doors of the Gangotri temple were opened for devotees at 12:15 PM.

Similarly, the sacred doli of Goddess Yamuna, led by Shani Dev, began its journey from her winter abode at Kharsali and arrived at Yamunotri Dham. The temple doors were opened for devotees at 12:35 PM with proper religious rituals.

During the inauguration ceremony at Gangotri Dham, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami offered prayers at the temple of Goddess Ganga and received blessings from the ceremonial palanquin.

The Chief Minister stated that the Char Dham Yatra has formally begun on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. He emphasised that the four sacred shrines of Uttarakhand are major centres of faith for devotees from across the country and abroad, and visiting these divine sites is a cherished aspiration for every devotee.

He further added that the state government has made extensive and robust arrangements to ensure a safe, well-organised, and smooth pilgrimage. Priority has been given to providing all essential facilities for the convenience of devotees, along with effective traffic management along the pilgrimage routes to avoid any inconvenience.

The Chief Minister also said that the government aims to ensure that every pilgrim visiting Devbhoomi Uttarakhand not only receives divine blessings but also experiences a safe, pleasant, and memorable journey. He appealed to all devotees to support the successful organisation of a green and clean Char Dham Yatra and urged them to remain mindful of cleanliness and environmental conservation.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While it's great the yatra has begun, I wish the first prayers weren't politicized by being offered in a specific leader's name. These are ancient temples for all devotees, regardless of political affiliation. The focus should remain purely on the divine.
A
Aditya G
Did the Char Dham Yatra last year. The infrastructure improvements on the routes are noticeable. Hope the traffic management is as effective as promised. The mountains are beautiful but the roads can get very crowded. Safe journey to all pilgrims!
S
Sarah B
The description of the rituals is fascinating. The journey of the doli from the winter abode is such a rich tradition. As someone interested in world cultures, the deep connection between geography, river goddesses, and faith in India is truly unique.
M
Meera T
Uttarakhand is Devbhoomi for a reason. The spiritual energy there is unmatched. Glad the CM emphasized a green yatra. We pilgrims must also take responsibility – no plastic, respect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Our faith should not harm the environment.
V
Vikram M
Opening on Akshaya Tritiya is perfect! It's considered one of the most auspicious days for new beginnings. May all the devotees have a safe and blessed pilgrimage. The arrangements sound comprehensive. Hope the weather remains favourable for the yatra season.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50