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NDTV
5 days ago
- General
- NDTV
Delhi Lt Governor Unveils Maa Yamuna Statue Near Nigambodh Ghat
The banks of the Yamuna saw a rare moment of cultural and spiritual celebration today as Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena unveiled the city's first-ever statue of Maa Yamuna near Nigambodh Ghat. The 10-foot idol, mounted on a 7-foot pedestal, shows the river goddess seated calmly on her symbolic tortoise (Kurma) and holding a water pot (Kalasha). Crafted in Delhi over three months, the 150-kg statue is made from a composite of granite and graphite powders bound with resin, DDA officials said. A Site Once Forgotten Just months ago, the stretch where the statue now stands was a picture of neglect, overrun by encroachments, piled high with garbage, and a hangout for drug users. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) cleared the area, landscaped it with native trees like Kadamba and Ashoka, planted riverine grasses, and added seasonal flowers, officials said. The site now links directly to Vasudev Ghat through a pedestrian walkway and a cycle track. There's parking for visitors, and kiosks are planned to serve refreshments. 'Part of Our Living Heritage' Speaking at the ceremony, LG Saxena said, "The Yamuna is more than a river; it is part of our living heritage that has shaped our culture and beliefs. This idol honours that sacred connection between humans and nature and reminds us to protect the river's sanctity for future generations." He added that conserving the Yamuna and its floodplains remains a key priority for both the Centre and the Delhi government. "This statue not only reflects the river's spiritual legacy but also gives people a place to connect with the river, making them partners in its revival," he said. Part of a Larger Revival The statue is the latest addition to ongoing efforts to restore the Yamuna floodplains. In recent years, biodiversity zones like Asita, Baansera, and Amrit Bio-diversity Park have transformed over 1,000 acres of land, according to DDA officials. Last year's Dilli Deepotsav at Vasudev Ghat drew crowds with 3.5 lakh earthen lamps, a grand Yamuna Aarti, and a drone show, turning the riverbank into a cultural and community hub. Today's unveiling, officials said, is another step in making the Yamuna's banks not just cleaner, but also more alive with heritage, nature, and public spaces.
News18
5 days ago
- General
- News18
Delhi LG unveils Maa Yamuna statue on Yamuna banks
New Delhi, Aug 11 (PTI) The Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Monday unveiled a 10-foot statue of 'Maa Yamuna" along the riverbank near Nigam Bodh Ghat in north Delhi, according to a statement. The newly installed statue, set on a seven-foot high pedestal, depicts the river goddess with a serene expression, seated on a tortoise (Kurma), symbolising stability and endurance, and holding a 'Kalasha' —representing life, fertility, and abundance. 'Yamuna is more than a river; it is a part of our living heritage that has shaped our culture and beliefs. This idol honours that very sacred connection between humans and nature and reminds us to protect the river's sanctity for future generations," Saxena said at the inauguration ceremony. The site where the statue has been installed, until a few years back, was encroached upon and was lying neglected, has now been revitalised into a public space. 'This idol of Maa Yamuna, apart from depicting the cultural and spiritual legacy of the river, will also provide recreational avenues to the people on the banks of the river," Saxena added. Since coming to power, the LG has been involved in the cleaning of the Yamuna banks and creating large spaces along the river for public use, which include parks like Banseera, Asita, and Amrit Bio-diversity Park, reclaiming more than a thousand acres of land in the floodplain. According to DDA, the agency is also planning to open two kiosks to offer refreshments to the visitors. The statue is placed on a seven-foot pedestal, surrounded by greenery. 'The idol faces the direction of Yamuna's origin, while the tortoise faces the river, flowing barely a few steps away. The 150 kg statue is made from a durable composite of granite and graphite powders," the DDA statement added. The Yamuna statue is connected to Vasudev Ghat by a cycle track and pedestrian walkway. Just after the oath-taking ceremony in February this year, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with her cabinet, attended a grand 'Yamuna Aarti' at Vasudev Ghat. PTI SSM HIG Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
30-04-2025
- NDTV
Gangotri And Yamunotri Portals Open Now As Char Dham Yatra Begins
Uttarkashi: The sacred Char Dham Yatra commenced on Wednesday with the ceremonial opening of the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The pilgrimage marks the beginning of a spiritually significant journey through the revered Himalayan shrines. After spending six months in her winter abode in Mukba village, the palanquin of Goddess Ganga was ceremoniously sent off to Gangotri Dham on Tuesday. The journey paused overnight at Bhairav Temple in Bhairavghati. Tirtha Purohit Rajesh Semwal confirmed that the palanquin would proceed to the Gangotri temple today, where the doors were set to open at 10:30 am with traditional rituals and Vedic chants. Simultaneously, the palanquin of Maa Yamuna departed from her winter residence in Kharsali for Yamunotri Dham early this morning. The temple gates were scheduled to open at 11:55 am to welcome devotees. On the occasion, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended greetings to devotees. Taking to X, he posted, "Today, on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, the doors of Shri Yamunotri Dham and Shri Gangotri Dham will be formally opened for the devotees to visit. Char Dham Yatra - 2025 is going to start from today, this holy journey is a symbol of a unique confluence of faith, devotion and invaluable sentiments of Sanatan culture." "On behalf of the state government, all the devotees are welcomed and greeted for the Char Dham Yatra. It is our prayer that with the blessings of Maa Yamuna and Maa Ganga, may the life of all the devotees be blessed," he added. The portals of Kedarnath Dham will open on Friday, followed by the opening of Badrinath Dham on Sunday. The Panchmukhi idol of Lord Kedarnath was ceremonially dispatched from Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath on Monday after special prayers. The Char Dham Yatra, one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India, attracts thousands of devotees annually. The journey follows a clockwise route through Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, each site holding immense religious significance in Sanatan tradition.
