Uttarkashi, April 30
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday offered prayers at Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams as the Char Dham Yatra officially commenced in Uttarkashi district, marking the start of one of India's most sacred pilgrimages.
The portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri temples were ceremonially opened with traditional rituals and Vedic chants, drawing thousands of devotees to the revered shrines nestled in the Himalayas.
The pilgrimage, beginning on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, signals the spiritual journey through the four Himalayan abodes of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Taking to X, Chief Minister Dhami wrote: "This morning, on the holy day of Akshaya Tritiya, I had the privilege of reaching Shri Gangotri Dham and participating in the Kapadodghatan (opening of the gates) program. On this occasion, taking a pledge, I performed the first worship of Maa Ganga in the name of the respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi."
"After worshipping the revered Maa Ganga with full rites and rituals, prayers were offered for the happiness and prosperity of all the residents of the state and the progress of India," he added.
As part of the celebrations, flowers were showered on devotees present at Gangotri Dham, creating a scene of devotion and festivity. The Chief Minister then proceeded to Yamunotri Dham, where he also offered prayers amid chants and spiritual fervour.
According to officials, over 22 lakh pilgrims have already registered for the yatra at the Rishikesh transit camp, and the number is expected to increase in the coming days.
Special Duty Officer Prajapati Nautiyal confirmed that both online and offline registrations are being conducted, with new registrations still pouring in.
To ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage, several security teams have been deployed along the route. Special arrangements, including separate registration counters for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and foreign nationals, have been made.
District Tourism Officer Shushil Nautiyal said that 20 free registration counters have also been installed.
The portals of Kedarnath Dham are scheduled to open on Friday, followed by Badrinath Dham on Sunday.
On Monday, the Panchmukhi idol of Lord Kedarnath was ceremonially dispatched from the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath after special prayers.
The Char Dham Yatra holds immense significance in the Sanatan tradition and draws lakhs of devotees each year who traverse the sacred circuit in a clockwise sequence.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Jai Maa Ganga! 🙠So happy to see the Char Dham Yatra begin with such devotion. The CM's participation shows the government's commitment to preserving our sacred traditions. Planning to visit Kedarnath next month - can't wait to experience the divine energy!
While the spiritual significance is undeniable, I hope the authorities maintain proper crowd control and sanitation facilities. Last year, there were reports of plastic waste along the routes. Let's keep our Himalayas clean while practicing our faith.
The Char Dham Yatra is the soul of Uttarakhand! â¤ï¸ My grandparents did this pilgrimage 40 years ago when there were no proper roads. Today's infrastructure makes it accessible, but we mustn't lose the essence of the challenging spiritual journey our ancestors undertook.
Good to see special arrangements for senior citizens and differently-abled devotees. My father wants to visit Badrinath this year but was worried about accessibility. The separate counters give us hope that his pilgrimage dreams can come true.
The online registration system is a game-changer! Did mine last month without any hassle. Though I wonder if 22 lakh registrations might be too many - hope the fragile Himalayan ecosystem can handle this footfall. Maybe staggered visits could be considered?
The flowers showered on devotees must have been such a beautiful sight! 🌸 These traditions connect us to our roots. Makes me emotional remembering my grandmother's stories about her yatra. Hope to continue this sacred tradition with my children someday.
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