Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday said that the state successfully conducted the Char Dham Yatra for 51 lakh pilgrims this year, despite disruptions caused by natural disasters.
Speaking to reporters after paying tributes on the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Dhami said authorities and stakeholders ensured smooth conduct of the pilgrimage despite the difficult circumstances.
“This year’s Char Dham Yatra faced many challenges. Operations were disrupted and the situation in the state remained difficult for a long time due to natural disasters, with the yatra being interrupted for nearly three months. Despite this, the Char Dham Yatra saw more than 5.1 million pilgrims, all of whom had a positive experience,” he said.
The Chief Minister congratulated the officials involved and said preparations are underway for the winter pilgrimages. He added that the government is committed to organising future Char Dham Yatras in an improved manner.
In a post on X, Dhami paid tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur on his martyrdom day, describing him as a symbol of courage and devotion who sacrificed his life for the protection of religion and humanity.
In another message on X related to the ‘Dhwajarohan Utsav’ at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, Dhami said the saffron flag hoisted at the temple represents Sanatan culture and the culmination of centuries of struggle. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat hoisting the flag marks the beginning of “a new era of the nation’s faith and spiritual pride.”
-IANS