Uttarkashi@Sanatanyatra: The sacred #CharDhamYatra2025 officially began on April 30, 2025, with the opening of the portals of Maa Gangotri and Yamunotri temples in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. The portals were opened for devotees amid Vedic chants and religious rituals, marking the ceremonial start of this revered pilgrimage.
Chief Minister Dhami Participates in the Opening Ceremony
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the portal-opening ceremonies at both Gangotri and Yamunotri, performing the first puja in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praying for the prosperity, happiness, and peace of the nation and state. Notably, Dhami became the first Chief Minister to participate in the Yamunotri temple’s portal-opening ceremony. The event was graced with a ceremonial shower of flower petals from a helicopter over both temples.
Traditional Opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri Temples
Following tradition, the ceremonial procession of Maa Ganga’s idol departed from Bhairav Valley’s Bhairav Temple and reached Gangotri. After special prayers and consecration, the Gangotri temple’s portals were opened for devotees at 10:30 AM. Similarly, the procession carrying Maa Yamuna’s idol, led by Shani Dev Maharaj, arrived at Yamunotri from its winter abode in Kharsali. The Yamunotri temple’s portals were opened at 11:55 AM with religious rituals. Thousands of devotees from across India and abroad witnessed the eternal flame (Akhand Jyoti), bathed in the holy Ganga and Yamuna rivers, and earned spiritual merits.
Government Arrangements for a Smooth Pilgrimage
Chief Minister Dhami performed puja at both temples and sought blessings from the processions of local deities. He stated that the Char Dham Yatra, commencing on the sacred occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, is a significant center of faith for devotees worldwide, and the pilgrimage is a cherished aspiration for every devotee. To ensure a safe and convenient journey, the state government has made extensive arrangements, including essential facilities, traffic management, and environmental conservation measures.
Commitment to “Atithi Devo Bhava” and a Green Pilgrimage
Dhami emphasized that, in the spirit of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is God), the government aims to ensure that all pilgrims return with a pleasant experience and divine blessings. He also appealed for cooperation in maintaining a clean and green Char Dham Yatra, keeping environmental protection in mind.
Dignitaries Present at the Ceremonies
The Gangotri temple ceremony was attended by MLA Suresh Chauhan, Gangotri Temple Committee President Dharmanand Semwal, Secretary Suresh Semwal, former MLA Vijay Pal Sajwan, BJP District President Nagendra Chauhan, Kishor Bhatt, District Magistrate Dr. Meharban Singh Bisht, Superintendent of Police Sarita Dobhal, and other notable figures. At Yamunotri, Chief Development Officer S.L. Semwal, Sub-District Magistrate Brijesh Kumar Tiwari, Yamunotri Temple Committee Vice-President Sanjeev Uniyal, and Secretary Sunil Uniyal were present.
