DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand is making a major move to enhance its tourism and pilgrimage offerings! Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami revealed an exciting development for devotees and tourists alike: the state's winter pilgrimage initiative will now be accessible all year round, making it a more inclusive spiritual journey. This announcement, made on Wednesday, marks a significant change for pilgrims from across the country.

The winter pilgrimage, which used to be a seasonal event, will now be open 12 months a year. Taking to social media to share this announcement, CM Dhami stated, "Inspired by the visionary leadership of our esteemed Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, our double-engine government has successfully extended the reach of the winter pilgrimage program, ensuring devotees can benefit from it throughout the year." Now, the pilgrimage in Uttarakhand will take place for all 12 months, rather than just six months."

A Boost to Uttarakhand's Tourism and Economy

This extension is expected to bring major benefits to both the state’s economy and its tourism sector. CM Dhami emphasized that there has already been an increase in the number of tourists visiting the state. He further highlighted the initiative’s impact, saying, "Pilgrims are now able to immerse themselves in the divine atmosphere by visiting the winter seats of the Char Dham, gaining a profound spiritual connection regardless of the season." At the same time, more tourists are coming to explore various attractions across Uttarakhand, especially during the winter season."

The initiative is set to provide a dual advantage: boosting the state’s tourism throughout the year while creating new job opportunities for local residents. Dhami believes that the Prime Minister's visionary plan will not only promote spiritual tourism but also provide much-needed employment for local communities. "With travel taking place year-round, local people will also benefit from increased work opportunities," he said.

Uttarakhand's Growing Pilgrimage Hub

Uttarakhand has long been a popular pilgrimage destination, home to the Char Dham sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These sacred spots, along with other key sites like Naina Devi Temple, Hemkund Sahib, Har Ki Pauri, and Mansa Devi Temple, attract millions of visitors each year.

This move to offer the Char Dham Yatra year-round aligns with a broader strategy to transform Uttarakhand into a continuous hub for spiritual tourism. Previously, the pilgrimage was only available during the colder months. Now, devotees will be able to visit the Char Dham temples regardless of the season, making the journey more accessible and convenient for all.

Strengthening Uttarakhand’s Religious and Economic Landscape

At a public event, CM Dhami stated, “The winter Char Dham Yatra is a crucial step in establishing Uttarakhand as a year-round pilgrimage destination. We are closely monitoring all arrangements to ensure its success. I am confident that this initiative will strengthen the religious importance of our state and continuously support the livelihoods of local communities.”

Uttarakhand's move to extend the Char Dham pilgrimage for the entire year is set to transform the state into an even more attractive destination for spiritual seekers and tourists alike.