By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 5 Dec: After the conclusion of the Char Dham Yatra 2024, the state government is now focusing on promoting winter Yatra to winter abodes of the Char Dham shrines. Additional Secretary to CM and DG, Information, Banshidhar Tiwari has stated that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will inaugurate the Winter Yatra on 8 December by visiting Baba Kedar at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath in district Rudraprayag and offering prayers there. To support this initiative, CM Dhami, along with other leaders and cabinet ministers, will visit various religious places to invite devotees and promote these sites.
It may be reminded here that Baba Kedar’s winter abode is Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath and the winter worship of Baba Kedar is performed there. Whereas the Uddhav statue, the messenger of Lord Badri, is worshipped in Pandukeshwar during the winters. The winter worship of Mother Yamunotri is held at Kharsali village in district Uttarkashi while the Gangotri’s winter abode is in Mukhbha village on the banks of river Bhagirathi in district Uttarkashi and the winter worship is held there.
These locations provide pilgrims an opportunity to worship during winters when the main Char Dham temples are closed. To encourage Winter Yatra, the government has also announced discounts for pilgrims and tourists. A ten percent discount on room bookings has been announced by the CM at Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) guest houses.
Tiwari reminded that since the portals of Char Dham remain closed during winter, the Deities are worshipped at their winter abodes. He added that it is believed that the devotees can attain punyas by visiting these winter abodes. The government aims to promote Winter Yatra of Char Dham to attract a larger number of pilgrims and tourists. CM Dhami has instructed the relevant departments accordingly.
On 19 December, Dhami will hold a high-level meeting regarding the Winter Yatra while before that, on 8 December, he will visit the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, inviting devotees for the winter journey. Following the visit, the Chief Minister will also meet with officials to discuss district development works and stay overnight in Rudraprayag district.
