Excelsior Correspondent
UTTARAKHAND, Apr 30: The sacred portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham were opened on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, marking the start of the Char Dham Yatra 2025.
Devotees from across the country and abroad gathered for the grand opening ceremonies, held with traditional Vedic chants and rituals.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the ceremonies at both shrines and offered the first prayers in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He prayed for the well-being of the nation and became the first Chief Minister to attend the Yamunotri Dham opening.
The ceremonial Doli of Goddess Ganga reached Gangotri from Bhairav Ghati, and the shrine was opened at 10:30 Am.
Similarly, the Doli of Goddess Yamuna, accompanied by Lord Shani, arrived from Kharsali to Yamunotri, where the doors opened at 11:55 Am.
Thousands of devotees took holy dips in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, marking the spiritual beginning of the Himalayan pilgrimage. Flower petals were showered from helicopters over both temples, adding to the spiritual ambiance.
CM Dhami said that the Char Dham Yatra is a major pilgrimage for devotees across the world.
He said the State Government has made detailed arrangements for transportation, security, health, and basic facilities to ensure a safe and smooth yatra.
He appealed to residents and businesses along the route to cooperate and extend hospitality to pilgrims. Emphasizing a green and clean pilgrimage, he called on all to support environmental efforts.
The Kedarnath shrine will open on May 2, followed by Badrinath on May 4.
MLA Suresh Chauhan, President of Gangotri Temple Committee Dharmanand Semwal, Secretary Suresh Semwal, former MLA Vijay Pal Sajwan, BJP District President Nagendra Chauhan, Kishore Bhatt, District Magistrate Uttarkashi Dr Mehrban Singh Bisht and Superintendent of Police Sarita Dobal participated in the Gangotri Dham portal opening ceremony.
At Yamunotri, Chief Development Officer of Uttarkashi SL Semwal, SDM Brijesh Kumar Tiwari, Vice-President of Yamunotri Temple Committee Sanjeev Uniyal, and Secretary Sunil Uniyal, were present at the portal opening ceremony.
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