Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 19 Apr: Stae Tourism, Religious Affairs, Culture, Public Works, Irrigation, and Rural Construction Minister Satpal Maharaj extended his best wishes, today, on the opening of the portals of Gangotri Temple and Yamunotri Temple. He stated that the festival of Akshaya Tritiya marks the beginning of the Satya Yuga and Treta Yuga, and is considered highly auspicious. This year, the occasion coincides with Abhijit Muhurat, Krittika Nakshatra, and Ayushman Yoga, making the opening of temple portals especially sacred.
He said that after the ceremonial palanquins (dolis) of Goddess Ganga and Goddess Yamuna reached their respective shrines—from Bhairav Ghati to Gangotri and from Kharsali to Yamunotri—the portals of both temples were opened. With this, the famous Char Dham Yatra has officially commenced. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and thousands of devotees witnessed the occasion.
The minister added that the government has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure a safe, smooth, and well-organised pilgrimage, including registration, health check-ups, and security measures.
He urged devotees to participate in large numbers and advised them to carry their QR code-based registration pass and Aadhaar card during the journey. He also emphasised following all guidelines issued during the yatra.
People above 50 years of age or those with health conditions are advised to carry a medical fitness certificate. Those suffering from BP, diabetes, or heart conditions should undergo a health check-up before travelling.
He added that 108 ambulance services are deployed on every route, and pilgrims should use them in case of emergencies. The temperature at Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges between 5°C and 15°C and may drop to 0°C at night, so travellers should carry warm clothing such as jackets, caps, gloves, and mufflers.
Advising pilgrims further, he said that alcohol and non-vegetarian food are strictly prohibited at the shrines. Visitors must maintain cleanliness and avoid polluting the environment. Plastic and other waste should be disposed of only at designated places.
He also warned that weather conditions in the mountains can change suddenly, so pilgrims should carry raincoats or umbrellas. For emergencies, they should keep important contact numbers handy: Disaster Control Room (1070, 1077), Police Helpline (112), Medical Emergency (108), and Char Dham Helpline (0135-1364).
