The Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines were ritually opened on the occasion of Akshay Tritiya on Sunday. In accordance with government guidelines I view of COVID-19, no devotees or pilgrims were present with only priests conducting the rituals at the two shrines in Uttarkashi district. Meanwhile, the palanquin of lord Kedarnath proceeded in a vehicle from his winter abode in Ukhimath.
In a simple ritualistic ceremony, the portals of Gangotri shrine were opened at 12:35 PM while the portals of Yamunotri shrine were opened at 12:41 PM.
Only a few officials were present on the occasion apart from the priests who maintained social distancing and other precautions while conducting the rituals. Meanwhile, in Rudraprayag district, a small procession carrying the Panchmukhi idol of lord Kedarnath departed from the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath.
Only a few priests and officials were present with the palanquin which was carried in a utility vehicle instead of the bearers going ahead on foot. The procession reached Gaurikund on Sunday itself. On Monday, the ritual procession carrying the lord’s Panchmukhi idol will reach Lincholi and on Tuesday evening it will reach Kedarnath. The portals of Kedarnath shrine will be opened for the summer on Wednesday, April 29 at 6:10 AM.
The portals of Badrinath shrine are slated to be reopened for the summer on May 15 at 4:30 AM. It is pertinent to mention that though the reopening of Char Dham shrines has begun on Sunday, in observance of Central government directions for containing the spread of COVID-19, no pilgrims are being allowed to visit the shrines at present.
The state’s tourism secretary Dilip Jawalkar said that after the portals of the Char Dham shrines are opened, the situation will be assessed and decision on conducting the Yatra will be taken as per the high level directions received for this.
It is pertinent to mention here that Uttarakhand Char Dham Devsthanam Board had deputed officials to ensure necessary arrangements for reopening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines while advance teams had been sent to Badrinath and Kedarnath.
As precaution against COVID-19, social distancing, wearing of masks and other measures are being observed in the ritual processions which culminate in reopening of the shrines. The sites where the shrines are located are also being sanitised.