Uttarakhand: Char Dham Yatra Begins Today with Opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri Portals
The Char Dham Yatra began in Uttarakhand today after the portals of the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples opened for devotees. Thousands of pilgrims arrived to take part in the religious journey, which holds great importance in Hinduism.
Temple priests opened the doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri in special ceremonies early this morning. They performed traditional rituals, chanted prayers, and welcomed the first groups of visitors. Devotees from different parts of India attended the opening and offered prayers to Goddess Ganga and Goddess Yamuna.
The Uttarakhand government has made full preparations for the Yatra. Officials have increased security, improved road conditions, and set up medical camps along the route. They aim to ensure a safe and smooth journey for all visitors. The state also launched a registration system to monitor the number of pilgrims and manage the crowd.
Local authorities asked pilgrims to follow safety rules and carry valid registration slips. The weather in the region remains cold, so officials advised visitors to bring warm clothes and stay alert while traveling through the hilly roads.
The Char Dham Yatra includes visits to four sacred shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. While Yamunotri and Gangotri opened today, Kedarnath and Badrinath will open in the coming days. Every year, lakhs of people take this journey to seek blessings and spiritual peace.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed the start of the Yatra season. He urged pilgrims to travel responsibly and respect the environment. “Our government is working hard to provide all necessary facilities. We want every devotee to have a safe and memorable experience,” he said.
The Char Dham Yatra plays a major role in the culture and economy of Uttarakhand. It boosts local tourism, creates jobs, and strengthens religious traditions.
With the opening of the two shrines today, the spiritual journey for thousands has officially begun.