Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami kickstarted the annual Char Dham Yatra by offering prayers at Shri Gangotri Dham as the temple gates opened. Simultaneously, the portals of Yamunotri Dham were also made accessible to devotees, with both sites adorned in floral decorations. Security measures were heightened to manage the large influx of pilgrims.
The ceremonial ‘Doli’ of Goddess Ganga arrived at Gangotri from Mukhba village after special prayers, drawing a large crowd of devotees who reverently chanted “Jai Maa Ganga” during the procession. Traditional instruments like ‘dhol-damau’ and ‘ransingha’ added to the festive atmosphere, accompanied by the participation of the Garhwal Rifles band.
The ‘Doli’ of Lord Kedarnath commenced its journey from Omkareshwar Temple to Kedarnath Dham, with the Panchmukhi idol carried in a grand procession featuring Vedic chants and devotional music. The temple complex was beautifully adorned with flowers, and devotees organized community feasts as part of the celebrations.
The Garhwal Rifles played a significant ceremonial role during the procession, blending military traditions with religious customs. The ‘doli’ is scheduled to reach Kedarnath Dham on April 21, where the idol will be placed in the temple sanctum. The doors of the Kedarnath temple will open on April 22, followed by the opening of Badrinath Dham on April 23, marking the culmination of the pilgrimage.
