Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off the buses carrying pilgrims for the sacred Char Dham Yatra on Saturday, marking the formal commencement of the pilgrimage season. The inauguration took place at the transit camp, where the pilgrims were also treated to the traditional Garh Bhoj, a local Garhwali cuisine experience.
During the event, CM Dhami stated that the Char Dham Yatra has officially begun and the gates of Badrinath Temple will open on Sunday. He affirmed that all necessary arrangements have been completed, with safety and convenience of the pilgrims being the government’s top priority. He encouraged people from across the country to undertake the yatra and explore the spiritual essence of Uttarakhand.
The Chief Minister also reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal, urging pilgrims to spend at least 5% of their travel budget on purchasing local products, thereby supporting the livelihoods of the region’s artisans and small businesses. The event symbolized not only the start of the pilgrimage but also highlighted the state’s efforts in promoting local culture and economy through responsible tourism.
