Winter Char Dham Pilgrimage to start today
On December 8, Chief Minister Dhami will kick off the winter pilgrimage season by visiting Baba Kedar in Ukhimath, located in Rudraprayag district. The winter worship of Baba Kedar takes place at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. The Uddhav idol, the messenger of Lord Badri, is also worshipped during the winter season in Pandukeshwar. In Kharsali village, Uttarkashi district, the winter worship of Maa Yamunotri is observed, while Maa Gangotri is worshipped in Mukhaba village along the Bhagirathi River in Uttarkashi.
“This time we are starting the winter pilgrimage. The plan has been made for it. Instructions for its preparation have also been given to all,” Dhami ANI.
Winter Char Dham Yatra Locations
The Char Dham pilgrimage typically takes place from May to October, but the winter yatra offers a unique opportunity for devotees to visit alternative shrines during the colder months. Due to heavy snowfall, the main Char Dham shrines—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—close for the winter season.
Pilgrims will instead visit alternative locations like Ukhimath, Pandukeshwar, Kharsali, and Mukhwa.
A Game Changer for Uttarakhand
CM Dhami believes that the winter pilgrimage will be transformative for the state, extending the Char Dham travel period beyond the usual five to six months. “The winter pilgrimage will prove to be a game changer for us in the coming times because our travel period (to Char Dham) is about five months to six months and even after that we have many places where people can come,” he added.The Chief Minister emphasized the state government’s commitment to ensuring that pilgrims have a hassle-free experience. “The people coming here should not face any problems and they should experience this place, weather for all 12 months,” he said.
BJP’s Victory and Blessings of Baba Kedarnath
During his visit, CM Dhami also expressed gratitude to the people of Rudraprayag, stating that he would stay in the region to meet and thank them for their support. He prayed to Baba Kedarnath and attributed the recent election victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the blessings of the revered deity. “It was an election on Baba Kedarnath Dham. I would say that this victory is the victory of the people of Kedarnath Assembly…This victory is against those who spread lies and confusion. And this is the defeat of those who did politics of casteism, lies and confusion,” he said.
He also acknowledged the support received by BJP candidate Asha Nautiyal and expressed his gratitude to the people for their involvement in what he called “not an ordinary election.”
The winter Char Dham Yatra is set to be a significant development for Uttarakhand, as it will provide year-round pilgrimage opportunities. With the government’s preparations underway, CM Dhami aims to ensure a smooth experience for the visiting pilgrims while boosting local tourism.
