In Uttarakhand, the portals of Shri Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines, located in Uttarkashi district, will be opened today for devotees on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. Akashvani correspondent reports that the portals of the Gangotri shrine will open at 12:15 PM, while those of the Yamunotri shrine will open at 12:35 PM. With this, the Char Dham Yatra in the state will formally commence.

The process of opening the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines in the Uttarkashi district began yesterday. Both shrines have been beautifully decorated with several quintals of flowers. Meanwhile, the ceremonial palanquin of Goddess Ganga departed yesterday afternoon from her winter abode at Mukhba for the Gangotri shrine, accompanied by an army band and local musical instruments.

According to the temple committee, the palanquin will reach the Gangotri shrine this morning after a night halt at Bhaironghati. Similarly, the ceremonial palanquin of Goddess Yamuna will depart this morning from Kharsali for the Yamunotri shrine. After the palanquins reach the shrines, the portals of both temples will be opened this afternoon for the summer season.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will be present at the Gangotri shrine on the occasion of the opening of the portals. He said that all preparations for the yatra have been completed. This year, surveillance at all shrines will be carried out through high-tech cameras from a security perspective. Adequate police and paramilitary forces have also been deployed.

In addition, proper arrangements have been made for drinking water, electricity, toilets, and rest houses along the yatra routes and at the shrines. The kapat of the Kedarnath shrine will open on April 22, and those of Badrinath shrine on April 23.