Synopsis
The Char Dham Yatra has officially begun, with Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami leading prayers at the holy sites of Gangotri and Yamunotri. This annual pilgrimage attracts millions and represents a profound spiritual journey through the Himalayan abodes. Discover the significance of this sacred event and the preparations in place for the influx of pilgrims.Key Takeaways
- Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami commenced the Char Dham Yatra with prayers at Gangotri and Yamunotri.
- The pilgrimage began on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya.
- Over 22 lakh pilgrims registered for the Yatra at Rishikesh.
- Safety measures and special arrangements are in place for all pilgrims.
- The portals of Kedarnath and Badrinath will open shortly.
Uttarkashi, April 30 (NationPress) - The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, engaged in prayer offerings at Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams on Wednesday as the Char Dham Yatra kicked off in Uttarkashi district, heralding the beginning of one of India's most revered pilgrimages.
The gates of the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples were ceremoniously unveiled through traditional rituals and Vedic recitations, attracting thousands of devotees to these sacred sites nestled in the Himalayas.
This pilgrimage, which starts on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, represents a spiritual journey through the four sacred Himalayan abodes: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
On social media platform X, Chief Minister Dhami shared: “This morning, on the sacred day of Akshaya Tritiya, I had the honor of reaching Shri Gangotri Dham and participating in the Kapadodghatan (gate opening) ceremony. During this event, I pledged to perform the initial worship of Maa Ganga in the name of our esteemed Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“After offering full rites to the revered Maa Ganga, prayers were made for the joy and prosperity of all state residents and the advancement of India,” he elaborated.
As part of the festivities, flowers were showered upon attendees at Gangotri Dham, creating an atmosphere of devotion and celebration. The Chief Minister then moved on to Yamunotri Dham, where he continued his prayers amidst chants and spiritual enthusiasm.
Officials report that over 22 lakh pilgrims have registered for the yatra at the Rishikesh transit camp, with numbers anticipated to rise in the coming days.
Special Duty Officer Prajapati Nautiyal confirmed that registration is ongoing both online and offline, with new entries continuously arriving.
To facilitate a safe pilgrimage, multiple security teams have been arranged along the route. Special provisions, including designated registration counters for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and international visitors, have also been established.
District Tourism Officer Shushil Nautiyal mentioned that 20 free registration counters have been set up as well.
The portals of Kedarnath Dham are set to open on Friday, followed by Badrinath Dham on Sunday.
On Monday, the Panchmukhi idol of Lord Kedarnath was ceremonially sent from the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath following special prayers.
The Char Dham Yatra is of great importance in the Sanatan tradition, attracting millions of devotees every year who travel the sacred circuit in a clockwise manner.
