Uttarkashi: The Char Dham Yatra 2026 officially began on April 19 with the opening of the doors of Gangotri Dham, one of the four holy shrines of Uttarakhand. The auspicious occasion coincided with Akshaya Tritiya, a day considered highly sacred in Hindu tradition.

आज अक्षय तृतीया के पावन अवसर पर विधिवत पूजा-अर्चना एवं वैदिक मंत्रोच्चारण के साथ श्री गंगोत्री व श्री यमुनोत्री धाम के कपाट खुलने के साथ ही #CharDhamYatra2026 का शुभारंभ हो गया है।

देवभूमि में आप सभी का स्वागत है। हम आपकी सुरक्षित यात्रा हेतु प्रतिबद्ध हैं।#UttarakhandPolice pic.twitter.com/Ramc2ZsfzI

— Uttarakhand Police (@uttarakhandcops) April 19, 2026

At exactly 12:15 pm, the temple doors were opened amid Vedic chants, religious rituals, and the echoing voices of devotees chanting “Jai Maa Ganga” and “Har Har Gange.” The shrine was beautifully decorated with flowers, and a helicopter showered petals on the devotees gathered in the temple premises.

Pilgrims were present to witness the divine moment

Thousands of pilgrims, both from India and abroad, were present to witness the divine moment. The festive atmosphere filled Gangotri Dham with devotion and joy as the sacred palanquin of Mother Ganga arrived from Bhairav Valley earlier in the morning. Special prayers and the recitation of Ganga Sahasnam were performed before the ceremonial opening.

Chief Minister’s presence

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami personally attended the opening ceremony. His helicopter landed at Harshil helipad, where he was welcomed by party workers and local residents. From there, he traveled to Gangotri Dham by car to witness the rituals. His presence added significance to the event, highlighting the importance of the yatra for Uttarakhand.

Daily rituals ahead

With the shrine now open, daily aarti and darshan of Mother Ganga will be performed throughout the yatra season, which will continue for the next six months. Pilgrims will have the opportunity to seek blessings and experience the spiritual energy of the sacred river.

Temple committee’s role

Suresh Semwal, secretary of the temple committee, confirmed that the doors were opened at the exact auspicious time of 12:15 pm, following all traditional rituals. The committee has made arrangements to ensure smooth darshan for the thousands of devotees expected during the yatra.

Significance of Gangotri Dham

Gangotri Dham, located in Uttarkashi district, is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. It is one of the four shrines of the Char Dham Yatra, along with Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Pilgrims believe that visiting these shrines cleanses sins and brings spiritual fulfillment.