Doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham Opened for Devotees

New Delhi: On the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, the sacred portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham were ceremoniously opened for devotees amid Vedic chants and religious rituals. With this, the Char Dham Yatra 2025 in Uttarakhand was officially inaugurated.

Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami took part in the ceremonial openings of both shrines and offered the first prayer in the name of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He prayed for the successful conduct of the Yatra and for the prosperity and well-being of the nation and the state. Shri Dhami also became the first Chief Minister to be present at the opening of the Yamunotri shrine. On this occasion, flower petals were showered from a helicopter over both Gangotri and Yamunotri temples.

As per religious tradition, on Wednesday morning, the Utsav Doli (ceremonial idol) of Goddess Ganga was carried from Bhairav Temple at Bhairav Ghati and reached Gangotri Dham. With special prayers and abhishek, the temple doors of Gangotri were opened for devotees at 10:30 AM. Similarly, the Doli of Goddess Yamuna, led by Lord Shani, traveled from her winter abode at Kharsali and arrived at Yamunotri Dham. Following complete religious rituals, the portals of Yamunotri were opened at 11:55 AM.

Thousands of devotees from across India and abroad witnessed the eternal flame and bathed in the holy waters of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers to earn spiritual merit. This spiritual pilgrimage holds immense significance for devotees across the nation, symbolizing the commencement of a deeply revered journey through the Himalayan shrines. The Kedarnath Dham is scheduled to open on May 2, followed by Badrinath Dham on May 4 .

Participating in the opening ceremonies, Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami bowed before the idols of Goddess Ganga and Goddess Yamuna and performed special prayers. He also received blessings from the local deity processions (Lok Devta Dolis) present at both shrines. On this occasion, the Chief Minister said that the Char Dham Yatra has formally commenced on the holy day of Akshaya Tritiya. He stated that the four shrines of Uttarakhand are revered centers of devotion for pilgrims from India and around the world, and visiting these sacred sites is a cherished wish of every devotee.

Chief Minister Dhami emphasized the state’s commitment to ensuring a safe and smooth pilgrimage experience. He stated that comprehensive preparations have been made, including arrangements for transportation, security, healthcare, and other essential services. All relevant departments are working in coordination to facilitate the devotees.

The Chief Minister also appealed to the residents of Uttarakhand to extend their support in making the Char Dham Yatra successful. He encouraged local businesses, including shopkeepers and hotel operators along the pilgrimage routes, to assist in providing a welcoming and comfortable environment for the pilgrims.

The Chief Minister further added that elaborate arrangements have been made across the state to ensure a safe and well-organized Char Dham Yatra. All basic facilities have been put in place to ensure the comfort and convenience of the pilgrims, with special attention given to traffic management.

He emphasized that, in line with the Indian tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is God), the state government’s endeavor is to ensure that every pilgrim returns from the Char Dham Yatra not only with divine blessings but also with a memorable and enriching experience. He also appealed to everyone to support the cause of a green and clean Char Dham Yatra.

Present during the Gangotri Dham portal opening were MLA Shri Suresh Chauhan, President of the Gangotri Temple Committee Shri Dharmanand Semwal, Secretary Shri Suresh Semwal, former MLA Vijay Pal Sajwan, BJP District President Shri Nagendra Chauhan, Shri Kishore Bhatt, District Magistrate of Uttarkashi Dr. Mehrban Singh Bisht, and Superintendent of Police Sarita Dobal.

At Yamunotri Dham, Chief Development Officer of Uttarkashi Shri S.L. Semwal, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Brijesh Kumar Tiwari, Vice President of the Yamunotri Temple Committee Shri Sanjeev Uniyal, and Secretary Shri