U'khand: Char Dham Yatra begins today as Gangotri, Yamunotri Dham portals open

IANS April 30, 2025 243 views

The annual Char Dham Yatra has commenced with the opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri temple portals in Uttarakhand. Devotees eagerly await the sacred pilgrimage through these historic Himalayan shrines. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended warm greetings, highlighting the spiritual significance of the journey. The pilgrimage will continue with Kedarnath and Badrinath temples opening in the coming days.

"Char Dham Yatra is a symbol of faith, devotion and Sanatan culture" - Pushkar Singh Dhami
Uttarkashi, April 30: The sacred Char Dham Yatra commenced on Wednesday with the ceremonial opening of the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

Key Points

1

Gangotri and Yamunotri temples officially open for pilgrims

2

CM Dhami welcomes devotees with traditional blessings

3

Sacred Himalayan shrines prepare for annual spiritual journey

4

Kedarnath and Badrinath temples to open soon

The pilgrimage marks the beginning of a spiritually significant journey through the revered Himalayan shrines.

After spending six months in her winter abode in Mukba village, the palanquin of Goddess Ganga was ceremoniously sent off to Gangotri Dham on Tuesday.

The journey paused overnight at Bhairav Temple in Bhairavghati.

Tirtha Purohit Rajesh Semwal confirmed that the palanquin would proceed to the Gangotri temple today, where the doors were set to open at 10:30 am with traditional rituals and Vedic chants.

Simultaneously, the palanquin of Maa Yamuna departed from her winter residence in Kharsali for Yamunotri Dham early this morning. The temple gates were scheduled to open at 11:55 am to welcome devotees.

On the occasion, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended greetings to devotees.

Taking to X, he posted, "Today, on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, the doors of Shri Yamunotri Dham and Shri Gangotri Dham will be formally opened for the devotees to visit. Char Dham Yatra - 2025 is going to start from today, this holy journey is a symbol of a unique confluence of faith, devotion and invaluable sentiments of Sanatan culture."

"On behalf of the state government, all the devotees are welcomed and greeted for the Char Dham Yatra. It is our prayer that with the blessings of Maa Yamuna and Maa Ganga, may the life of all the devotees be blessed," he added.

The portals of Kedarnath Dham will open on Friday, followed by the opening of Badrinath Dham on Sunday.

The Panchmukhi idol of Lord Kedarnath was ceremonially dispatched from Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath on Monday after special prayers.

The Char Dham Yatra, one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India, attracts thousands of devotees annually.

The journey follows a clockwise route through Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, each site holding immense religious significance in Sanatan tradition.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Jai Maa Ganga! 🙏 So happy to see the yatra begin again. My family has been going to Gangotri for generations. The government should ensure better facilities for elderly pilgrims this year - last time my parents struggled with the steep paths.
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Priya M.
The spiritual energy during Char Dham Yatra is unmatched! Planning to go next month. Does anyone know if the helicopter services to Kedarnath have improved their safety measures after last year's incidents?
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Arjun S.
While I respect the religious sentiments, I hope the government is monitoring the environmental impact. The Himalayas are fragile and last year's photos of plastic waste along the routes were heartbreaking. Devotion shouldn't come at nature's cost.
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Sunita R.
The opening rituals on Akshaya Tritiya make it extra special! 🪔 My didi completed the yatra last year and said the morning aarti at Yamunotri brought tears to her eyes. Hope to save enough to go next year!
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Vikram J.
As someone who organizes pilgrimage tours, I must say the state government has improved infrastructure significantly. But local shopkeepers still overcharge pilgrims - this needs to be checked. Haridwar to Yamunotri route now has better roads though!
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Neha P.
The description of Vedic chants during the opening gave me goosebumps! ❤️ Our culture's continuity through these rituals is beautiful. Does anyone have recommendations for budget stays near Gangotri for a solo female traveler?

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Tags:
Char Dham Yatra Uttarakhand Pilgrimage Hindu Temples Gangotri Yamunotri Pushkar Singh Dhami
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