2,100 Diyas Illuminate Yamuna Ghat in Kalsi as CM Dhami Unveils Maa Yamuna Statue
Harighat inaugurated and foundation stone laid for Maa Jamuna Krishna Temple; ₹150 crore approved for Hanol Master Plan
Dehradun/Kalsi, September 17, 2026: The sacred banks of the Yamuna River at Haripur Kalsi came alive with devotion and spiritual fervour during the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ programme organised on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami unveiled the statue of Maa Yamuna, inaugurated Harighat and laid the foundation stone for the Maa Jamuna Krishna Temple.
A special Yamuna Aarti was also organised on the occasion. Chief Minister Dhami participated in the Aarti along with saints, devotees and a large gathering of local residents. As part of the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ programme, the Chief Minister, saints and devotees lit lamps and prayed for peace, prosperity and public welfare. A total of 2,100 diyas illuminated the sacred Yamuna riverbank, creating a vibrant spiritual atmosphere in Kalsi.
Maa Yamuna Statue Unveiled, Harighat Inaugurated
Chief Minister Dhami said Kalsi is a land associated with history, faith and a rich cultural heritage. He said the unveiling of the Maa Yamuna statue, inauguration of Harighat and organisation of the Yamuna Aarti would further strengthen the spiritual identity of the region.
He said the foundation stone of the Maa Jamuna Krishna Temple marks an important step towards the religious and cultural development of Kalsi and would contribute to strengthening facilities and activities associated with the area’s spiritual significance.
Yamuna Riverbank Shines with 2,100 Diyas
During the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ programme, Chief Minister Dhami lit a diya on the banks of the Yamuna and prayed for peace, prosperity and the welfare of the people of Uttarakhand. Saints, devotees and local residents also participated in the lighting ceremony.
The illumination of 2,100 diyas created a spectacular sight along the Yamuna riverbank. The subsequent Yamuna Aarti further enhanced the spiritual atmosphere of the event.
The Chief Minister said such programmes help connect younger generations with India’s traditional spiritual practices and play an important role in showcasing Uttarakhand’s religious and cultural heritage to audiences across the country and the world.
₹150 Crore Approved for Hanol Master Plan
Chief Minister Dhami said the state government is working continuously for the overall development of the Jaunsar-Bawar region. He announced that ₹150 crore has been approved for the Hanol Master Plan.
He said the master plan would facilitate the development of infrastructure related to religious tourism and improve facilities for pilgrims and tourists visiting the region. The initiative is also expected to support more organised development of tourism activities in Hanol.
Development of Lakhamandal and Other Heritage Sites
The Chief Minister said special attention is also being given to the beautification and development of Lakhamandal and other historical, religious and tourism destinations in the Jaunsar-Bawar region.
Along with strengthening basic infrastructure and visitor facilities, efforts are being made to develop the region’s tourism potential. Dhami said the distinctive folk culture, traditions, architecture and natural beauty of Jaunsar-Bawar are valuable parts of Uttarakhand’s heritage and that their conservation would remain an important consideration alongside development.
Religious Tourism to Support Local Livelihoods
Chief Minister Dhami said the government’s objective is not limited to developing religious and tourism destinations but also includes ensuring that the benefits of such development reach local communities.
The expansion of tourism activities can create opportunities in homestays, local products, handicrafts, transport, food services and other self-employment activities. Such opportunities can support employment and entrepreneurship for local youth and strengthen the regional economy.
Uttarakhand Emerging as a Confluence of Faith, Heritage and Development
The Chief Minister said Uttarakhand’s religious and spiritual destinations have received renewed attention for infrastructure and visitor-facility development. Along with the Char Dham, work is being undertaken to connect various mythological, historical and religious destinations with improved facilities.
In this context, planned development is being undertaken to strengthen the religious and tourism significance of Kalsi, Hanol, Lakhamandal and the wider Jaunsar-Bawar region.
Dhami said the government’s objective is to integrate Uttarakhand’s spiritual and cultural heritage with modern tourism facilities so that religious tourism can also contribute to local employment and economic activity.
MLA Munna Singh Chauhan, Secretary Ranveer Singh Chauhan, Additional Secretary Banshidhar Tiwari, Parmarth Niketan President Swami Chidanand Muni, other public representatives, saints and a large number of local residents were present on the occasion.
