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Rudraprayag, May 1: Preparations are in full swing for the opening of the Kedarnath Temple on May 2, as the sacred Char Dham Yatra 2025 officially began on Wednesday, marking an important spiritual event for devotees across the country.

The pilgrimage began on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya with the ceremonial opening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples in Uttarkashi district. Both shrines were opened amid traditional Vedic chants, rituals, and the presence of thousands of enthusiastic pilgrims.

Leading the spiritual ceremonies was Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who offered the first prayers at both Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines. The prayers were offered in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with CM Dhami praying for a successful and safe yatra, and the overall prosperity of the nation and the state.

In a historic moment, CM Dhami became the first Uttarakhand Chief Minister to be present at the opening of the Yamunotri shrine. To mark the significance of the occasion, flower petals were also showered from helicopters over both temple sites.

The Utsav Doli (ceremonial procession) of Goddess Ganga started from Bhairav Temple at Bhairav Ghati and reached Gangotri Dham, where the temple doors were opened at 10:30 AM. Similarly, the idol of Goddess Yamuna, led by Lord Shani, was brought from Kharsali, her winter seat, to Yamunotri, where the portals opened at 11:55 AM.

Pilgrims from across India and abroad gathered to witness the grand openings, participate in the rituals, and take holy dips in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, seeking spiritual blessings.

In his address, CM Dhami highlighted the spiritual and cultural importance of the Char Dham Yatra, calling it a journey of faith that draws millions every year. He reassured the public that the state government has made extensive arrangements to ensure a safe, comfortable, and well-managed yatra. This includes transport, security, medical facilities, and infrastructure improvements along the route.

He also appealed to local residents, businesses, and service providers to extend hospitality and support to the visiting pilgrims. “In the spirit of Atithi Devo Bhava (Guest is God), we want every devotee to return not just spiritually fulfilled, but also with beautiful memories,” said the CM.

The Kedarnath temple in Rudraprayag is set to open on May 2, followed by the Badrinath temple on May 4, completing the opening of all four Dhams.

Also present at the Gangotri opening were MLA Suresh Chauhan, Gangotri Temple Committee President Dharmanand Semwal, Secretary Suresh Semwal, former MLA Vijay Pal Sajwan, and other local officials including District Magistrate Dr. Mehrban Singh Bisht and Superintendent of Police Sarita Dobal.

With its spiritual energy and serene Himalayan backdrop, the Char Dham Yatra remains one of India’s most revered pilgrimages — a path of devotion, tradition, and divine blessings.

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