Char Dham yatra begins with opening of Gangotri, Yamunotri temples
New Delhi: The portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines were opened for the devotees on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on Saturday. As per the schedule, the doors of Gangotri Dham were opened at 12.35 pm today and the doors of Yamunotri Dham at 12.41 in the afternoon. Devotees will be able to offer prayers to River Ganga in Gangotri and River Yamuna in Yamunotri Dham.

Every possible facility will be made available to the devotees in the state
Today, the first puja was performed in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The portals of Shri Kedarnath will open on April 25 and Shri Badrinath on April 27. Devotees on Char Dham Yatra were welcomed on their arrival at Dev Bhoomi as helicopter showered flowe petals on them.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami offered prayers at Kharsali, Yamunotri on Saturday. After that, the festive doli of Maa Yamuna was sent from Kharsali to Yamunotri Dham. CM Dhami said that with the opening of the doors of Yamunotri and Gangotri Dham today, the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand has started.
CM Dhami said that Char Dham Yatra will be celebrated with enthusiasm. He welcomed the devotees coming from the country and abroad to Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also wished for the happiness and prosperity of the country and the state.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami offered prayersChief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami offered prayers
He said all preparations have been done in view of the Char Dham Yatra, adding that the state government is determined to ensure safe and smooth journey.
“Every possible facility will be made available to the devotees in the state. All arrangements for the yatra are being regularly monitored,” the CM said.
Chairman of Gangotri Mandir Committee Harish Semwal said on Friday at 12:15 pm, Ganga’s festival doli left for Gangotri Dham from Mukhba village for its winter stay. After taking a night’s rest at Bhairav Temple located in Bhairav Valley, the next day morning at 8 am Ganga’s Utsav Doli reached Gangotri Dham. Ganga Poojan, Ganga Sahastranam recitation and special poojas were performed along with other rituals at 12:35 pm on Sarvath Amrit Siddha Yoga, the doors of Gangotri Dham were opened for the devotees to visit.