Uttarkashi: The Char Dham Yatra 2025 in Uttarakhand officially commenced on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya with the ceremonial opening of the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham on Wednesday. Thousands of devotees gathered to witness the grand event, which began with Vedic chants and special rituals.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the yatra by participating in the ceremonial puja at both Dhams. He performed the first worship in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praying for the successful organization of the Yatra and for the prosperity and well-being of the nation and the state. Notably, Dhami became the first Chief Minister to attend the portals-opening ceremony of Yamunotri Dham.
A special highlight of the event was a flower shower from a helicopter over the temples of Gangotri and Yamunotri, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere for the assembled devotees.
According to tradition, the festive palanquin of Maa Ganga reached Gangotri Dham from Bhairav Valley in the morning. The temple doors were opened at 10:30 AM with special worship and Abhishek rituals. Similarly, the palanquin of Maa Yamuna arrived at Yamunotri Dham from her winter abode in Kharsali, led by Shanidev Maharaj. The temple gates opened at 11:55 AM amidst religious ceremonies.
Pilgrims from across India and abroad took part in the celebrations, bathing in the sacred waters of the Ganga and Yamuna and offering prayers at the temples. The unbroken flame (Akhand Jyoti) also attracted large numbers of worshippers.
Chief Minister Dhami, in his address, said the Char Dham temples are not just religious sites but also major centers of faith that draw devotees from all over the world. “On the sacred occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, we have formally begun the Char Dham Yatra. We have ensured extensive arrangements for the safety, convenience, and comfort of all pilgrims,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of cleanliness and sustainability during the pilgrimage, urging everyone to contribute to a “Green and Clean Char Dham Yatra.” He also highlighted traffic management and basic amenities as key focus areas this year.
Senior officials and dignitaries present at Gangotri included MLA Suresh Chauhan, Gangotri Temple Committee President Dharmanand Semwal, Secretary Suresh Semwal, former MLA Vijay Pal Sajwan, BJP District President Nagendra Chauhan, and District Magistrate Dr. Meherban Singh Bisht. At Yamunotri, Chief Development Officer S.L. Semwal, Deputy District Magistrate Brijesh Kumar Tiwari, Yamunotri Temple Committee Vice President Sanjeev Uniyal, and Secretary Sunil Uniyal were among those in attendance.
