Char Dham Yatra begins on Akshaya Tritiya today

The Char Dham Yatra began with the opening of the doors of Yamunotri and Gangotri.

Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand): The Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra started today on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. The state government has made all arrangements to ensure that pilgrims do not face any problem during the Char Dham Yatra. The government is determined to make the Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra safe and smooth for the pilgrims.

The Char Dham Yatra began with the opening of the doors of Yamunotri and Gangotri. First the doors of Gangotri Dham were opened and then Yamunotri Dham doors were opened.

On the basis of astrological calculations, the auspicious time for opening the doors of Gangotri was determined. The Gangotri temple committee held a meeting and announced the auspicious time for the opening of the doors. The doors of Gangotri Dham were opened at 12.35 pm today on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. On April 21, the Bhog Murti Doli of Maa Ganga had left for Gangotri from its winter residence Mukhba.

Similarly, doors of Yamunotri Dham were opened for devotees at the auspicious muhurta at 12.41 pm. On Friday, Mother Yamuna's doli left for Yamunotri from Kharsali, her winter residence. Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also participated in the Doli Yatra of Yamunotri. For the first time, helicopters showered flowers on the devotees from the sky.

State health secretary Rajesh Kumar reached Rudraprayag yesterday to take stock of the preparations. He inspected the health units at various places and monitored the arrangements at the health centres. Doctors and para medical staff have been deployed on the Yatra route.The health department has suggested pilgrims to get themselves acclimatized to the weather before undertaking the journey.