On the occasion of Akshay Tritiya, the gates of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines were opened today, Saturday, for the devotees to visit during the summer season. The gates of Gangotri opened at 12:35 pm, while the gates of Yamunotri opened at 12:41 pm. The idol of Mother Ganga and the flagpole were installed at Gangotri shrine.
The Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, also arrived at the shrine and performed Ganga Puja. After the ritual worship, the gates of Gangotri shrine were opened in the presence of the Chief Minister. Subsequently, the gates of Yamunotri shrine were opened. With the flower shower, the Chief Minister welcomed the pilgrims.
The process of opening the gates of Gangotri started on Friday. As part of this, on Friday, the army band accompanied the palanquin of Mother Ganga from Mukhba to Gangotri shrine with the tunes of the band. The villagers of Mukhba became emotional during the farewell of Mother Ganga.
The Char Dham Yatra officially started on Friday, while the formal start of the journey took place on Saturday afternoon with the opening of the gates of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines. Prior to this, the idol of Mother Ganga was installed in a palanquin on Friday, and the palanquin was carried from Mukhba village with cheers.
