Dehradun, April 19: On the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, the doors of Shri Yamunotri Dham and Shri Gangotri Dham will open today, marking the commencement of the annual Char Dham Yatra. The temples have been beautifully adorned with flowers, and extensive security arrangements have been put in place.
After special prayers and rituals, the palanquin of Goddess Ganga has departed from her winter residence in Mukba village. This has generated immense excitement and reverence among locals and pilgrims alike. Meanwhile, the palanquin of Goddess Yamuna has also set off from her winter abode in Kharsali village.
The village resonated with chants of “Jai Maa Gange,” accompanied by traditional instruments like the dhol, damau, and ransinga. A large number of devotees, priests, sadhus, and officials participated in the procession, showcasing a profound sense of faith and unity. The idols will be installed in the Yamunotri and Gangotri temple complexes today.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took to social media to express that on this sacred occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, the doors of Shri Gangotri and Shri Yamunotri Dham are being opened for devotees with full rituals. This also marks the launch of the Char Dham Yatra 2026.
He stated that the state government has ensured comprehensive and solid preparations to make the Char Dham Yatra safe, organized, and beneficial for pilgrims.
Chief Minister Dhami further prayed to Goddess Ganga and Goddess Yamuna to fill everyone’s lives with happiness, prosperity, and progress.
In another post, he welcomed all pilgrims to the land of the gods, Uttarakhand. He urged everyone to adhere to the prescribed rules during the journey and actively contribute to making this sacred pilgrimage plastic-free while keeping environmental conservation in mind. He wished that this holy journey brings happiness, prosperity, and spiritual advancement to all.
Meanwhile, Shri Kedarnath Dham will open on April 22, followed by Shri Badrinath Dham on April 23.
As of Saturday evening, 1.89 million pilgrims had registered online for the journey, with Kedarnath seeing the highest registrations at 650,000, followed by Badrinath (550,000), Gangotri (330,000), and Yamunotri (320,000).
On Saturday, Chief Minister Dhami flagged off the journey from the Char Dham Yatra transit camp in Rishikesh, marking the formal commencement of one of the holiest pilgrimages in Sanatan Dharma. He interacted with the pilgrims, extended his best wishes, and hoped for their safe and spiritually fulfilling journey.
Given the cold weather in the hilly regions, additional arrangements have been made at all four pilgrimage sites (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath).
The Char Dham Yatra traditionally begins from Haridwar or Rishikesh and traverses through Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Kedarnath, ultimately reaching Badrinath, attracting thousands of pilgrims from India and abroad each year.
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