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India Gazette
18-05-2025
- Climate
- India Gazette
Uttarakhand: Thousands take holy dip at Pushkar Kumbh in Keshav Prayag
Chamoli (Uttarakhand) [India], May 18 (ANI): A large number of people gathered on Sunday to take a holy dip at the Pushkar Kumbh, held at Keshav Prayag near Mana--the border village of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand--after a 12-year interval. According to a release from the Uttarakhand Chief Minister's Office (CMO), thousands of devotees have so far taken a holy bath on the banks of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers. This year, the Kumbh is being held from May 14 to May 26. From dawn to dusk, the ghats of Keshav Prayag resonate with bhajans and kirtans. This fair, organised every 12 years at Keshav Prayag, the confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers, is associated with great saints like Maharishi Vedvyas, Ramanujacharya, and Madhvacharya, to whom most people from South India go for bathing. Notably, most people from South India come to bathe during this occasion, the CMO said in a statement. Uttarakhand's official said that the police and administration have ensured effective arrangements for devotees' safety, route management, and emergency services. Earlier in the day, the doors of the sacred Rudranath temple, known as the fourth Kedar, reopened for devotees on Sunday morning after being closed during the winter months. Located at over 10,000 feet in Chamoli district, the Shiva shrine of the Panchkedar group of temples draws lakhs of pilgrims from across the country and abroad every year. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the reopening, saying, 'Today, the name of Rudra echoed once again in the peaceful valleys of the Himalayas!'He praised the religious significance of the event and emphasised the state's continued efforts to enhance the pilgrim experience. The Rudranath temple, nestled deep in the Garhwal Himalayas, holds great importance among the Panch Kedar temples. The shrine had remained closed during the harsh winter months due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather. Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand government said on Saturday that the helicopter services for the Char Dham Yatra have resumed and are running smoothly. The Char Dham Yatra 2025 officially began on April 30 with the opening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham on Akshaya Tritiya amid Vedic chants and rituals. The doors of Kedarnath Dham were opened on May 2, and those of Badrinath on May 4. (ANI)
India Gazette
18-05-2025
- India Gazette
Uttarakhand: Doors of Rudranath temple reopened for devotees
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], May 18 (ANI): The doors of sacred Rudranath temple, known as the fourth Kedar, reopened for devotees on Sunday morning after a period of closure during the winter months. Located at a height of over 10,000 feet in Chamoli district, the Shiva shrine of the Panchkedar group of temples draws lakhs of pilgrims every year from across the country and abroad. Announcing the reopening, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, 'Today the name of Rudra echoed once again in the peaceful valleys of the Himalayas!' He praised the religious significance of the event and emphasised the state's continued efforts to enhance the pilgrim experience. The Rudranath temple, nestled deep in the Garhwal Himalayas, holds great importance among the Panch Kedar temples. The shrine had remained closed during the harsh winter months due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather. Highlighting the government's commitment, the chief minister said, 'Our government is continuously working to make the journey of devotees coming to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand from the country and abroad smooth and safe.' All necessary arrangements including medical assistance, accommodation, and improved road connectivity in the area have been made for the pilgrims. Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand government said on Saturday that the helicopter services for the Char Dham Yatra have resumed and are running smoothly. State Director General of Information, Bansidhar Tiwari, told ANI that the services to the four Dhams, including Badrinath and Kedarnath, are operational from all helipads, including the Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun. In a post on X, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami said the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is proceeding smoothly, with over 4 lakh devotees having visited the sacred shrines so far. 'Dear Devotees, Chardham Yatra is being conducted smoothly in the state. So far, more than 4 lakh devotees have visited the Dhams. Heli services for Shri Kedarnath Dham are also fully operational. You are requested not to pay attention to any kind of rumour,' he wrote on X. 'The state government is constantly trying to make your travel experience safe and smooth. For any information and assistance, you can call helpline numbers 1364 and 0135-1364. #CharDhamYatra2025,' he added. 'Every year a large number of devotees visit Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand for the Char Dham Yatra,' the chief minister said, adding, 'Our government is continuously working to make the journey smooth, safe and well organised,' CM Dhami said. The Char Dham Yatra 2025 officially began on April 30 with the opening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham on Akshaya Tritiya amid Vedic chants and rituals. The doors of Kedarnath Dham were opened on May 2, and those of Badrinath on May 4. (ANI)
News18
29-04-2025
- News18
Heading To Chardham Yatra 2025? Consider Visiting These 10 Scenic Places Near Uttarakhand
Last Updated: Ahead of the Chardham Yatra 2025, here are some scenic places in Uttarkhand that you can add to your list to make your trip even more memorable. As thousands of Hindu devotees prepare for the revered Chardham Yatra, many pilgrims and travellers also look forward to exploring the natural beauty and cultural richness that surround this pilgrimage. The Chardham Yatra, set to begin from April 30, is surrounded by some stunning locations. Whether you're seeking moments of peace before your spiritual journey or looking to extend your trip into a memorable vacation, Uttarakhand offers a wealth of nearby destinations around the Chardham circuit. Auli A famous skiing destination near Joshimath, Auli offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Valley of Flowers National Park A UNESCO World Heritage Site near Badrinath, this stunning valley blooms with exotic alpine flowers during the summer months. Hemkund Sahib Located near Govindghat, this revered Sikh pilgrimage site is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and a crystal-clear lake, accessible via a high-altitude trek. Known as the Mini Switzerland of India, Chopta is a scenic spot that leads to the world's highest Shiva temple (Tungnath) and a breathtaking sunrise point at Chandrashila. Just 3 km from Badrinath, Mana is the last village before the Indo-Tibetan border and holds mythological significance from the Mahabharata. Tehri Lake and Dam A great spot for water sports and lakeside relaxation, Tehri Lake also offers boating and jet-skiing amidst stunning mountain views. Rudranath One of the Panch Kedar temples, Rudranath, is a less crowded yet spiritually enriching trekking destination nestled deep in the Garhwal Himalayas. Kausani A peaceful hill station known for its scenic views of the Trishul and Nanda Devi peaks, and often called the Switzerland of India. Munsiyari A remote village in the Kumaon region, ideal for trekkers and photographers, with its dramatic mountain scenery and peaceful atmosphere. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary Located near Almora, Binsar is a haven for bird watchers and wildlife lovers, offering forest trails and panoramic views of the Himalayan range. First Published: April 29, 2025, 15:06 IST
