Char Dham Yatra 2026 Begins as Gates of Gangotri and Yamunotri Open
Uttarkashi, 19 APRIL (RNS).
The sacred portals of Gangotri Dham and Yamunotri Dham were opened to devotees on Sunday on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, marking the formal commencement of the Char Dham Yatra 2026.
As per religious traditions, the ceremonial palanquin (doli) of Goddess Ganga reached Gangotri Dham from the Bhairav Temple. After special prayers and rituals, the temple gates were opened at 12:15 PM. Similarly, the doli of Goddess Yamuna arrived at Yamunotri Dham from her winter abode at Kharsali, led by Shani Dev, and the temple gates were opened at 12:35 PM.
On the occasion, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the opening ceremony at Gangotri and offered the first prayer in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He prayed for the successful conduct of the yatra and for peace, prosperity, and well-being across the nation.
The Chief Minister stated that the Char Dham shrines are major centers of faith for devotees from India and abroad, and visiting these holy sites is a cherished aspiration for many. He assured that the state government has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure a safe, smooth, and well-organized pilgrimage. Special emphasis has been placed on traffic management and essential facilities along the yatra routes to prevent inconvenience to pilgrims. The Chief Minister also appealed to devotees to support the “Green and Clean Char Dham Yatra” initiative by maintaining cleanliness and protecting the environment. Several public representatives, administrative officials, and temple committee members were present during the ceremony.
