After the closure of the Char Dham shrines, winter pilgrimages will boost the tourism business. The state government has commenced preparations for this. The pilgrimage will be operated from the winter abodes of the Char Dhams.
Dehradun: Following the closure of the Char Dham shrines, the Uttarakhand government has begun preparations to keep the state's tourism business active through winter pilgrimages. During this period, special arrangements will be made for devotees at the winter abodes, and worship will continue at the winter residences of the main shrines.
The significance of the Char Dham Yatra is not only religious; it also makes a crucial contribution to the state's economy and tourism industry. The state government endeavors to ensure that the pilgrimage continues smoothly for most months of the year.
Dates for Shrine Closure
In Uttarakhand, this year, the portals of Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri Dhams will close after Diwali. The portals of Badrinath Dham, however, will close on November 25.
- Kedarnath Dham: After the closure of Kedarnath Dham's portals, prayers for Baba Kedar will be conducted at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, its winter abode.
- Badrinath Dham: The winter pilgrimage will be operated at Yoga Badri Pandukeshwar and Narsingh Temple in Jyotirmath, the winter abodes of Badrinath.
- Yamunotri Dham: Arrangements for worship will be made at Kharsali, the winter abode of Yamunotri.
- Gangotri Dham: At Mukhba, the winter abode of Gangotri Dham, devotees will have facilities for worship and darshan.
Preparations at Winter Abodes
The state government has improved arrangements at the winter abodes to facilitate the winter pilgrimage. Last year, approximately 70,000 devotees visited the winter residences of the Char Dhams during the winter pilgrimage. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the pilgrimage from Omkareshwar Temple, the winter abode of Baba Kedar. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mukhba, the winter abode of Gangotri Dham, and conveyed the message of winter pilgrimage across the country.
This year too, the government is ensuring better arrangements for devotees at the winter abodes. Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj stated that even more extensive arrangements will be made this time compared to last year, so that pilgrims can experience a comfortable and safe journey.
Uttarakhand's Char Dham Yatra is vital for the state's tourism and local economy. During the winter pilgrimage, local shopkeepers, hoteliers, and transport services benefit. The government's objective is to sustain employment and tourism activities throughout the year through these pilgrimages.
