As the sacred portals of the Kedarnath Temple opened today amidst Vedic chants and heavy snowfall, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt greetings to devotees worldwide. While marking the beginning of the Char Dham Yatra 2026, the Prime Minister made a special appeal, urging every pilgrim to take five specific pledges (Panch Pran) to ensure a safe, clean, and spiritually enriching journey.The Grand Opening of Baba Kedar’s PortalsThe doors of the eleventh Jyotirlinga, Kedarnath, were opened at the auspicious Brahmamuhurta today. Despite the biting cold and layers of snow, thousands of devotees gathered to witness the first Aarti. The temple was decorated with over 20 quintals of flowers, symbolizing the spiritual vibrancy of Uttarakhand.PM Modi’s 5 Pledges for a Sustainable YatraIn a series of messages, PM Modi emphasized that the Char Dham Yatra is not just a personal spiritual journey but a collective responsibility towards nature and heritage. He urged pilgrims to follow these five pledges:Cleanliness First (Swachhata): Do not leave any plastic or waste behind. Treat the Himalayan peaks with the same sanctity as the sanctum sanctorum.Vocal for Local: Spend at least 5% to 10% of your travel budget on local products produced by regional artisans and self-help groups in Uttarakhand.Physical Fitness: Pilgrims should assess their health before embarking on the arduous trek to high altitudes to avoid medical emergencies.Preserve Heritage: Respect the local traditions, culture, and ancient architecture of the "Devbhoomi."Digital Payments: Promote a digital India by using UPI and digital modes for transactions during the yatra to ensure transparency and ease.Security and Infrastructure: 24/7 MonitoringUnder the guidance of the PM and CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Uttarakhand government has deployed massive security and health arrangements.Real-time Tracking: Pilgrims are being tracked through mandatory registration to prevent overcrowding.Health Camps: Specialized medical units have been set up every 2-3 kilometers on the trekking route.Weather Alerts: Devotees are advised to stay updated with IMD alerts as intermittent snowfall continues in the upper reaches.The Message of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'PM Modi noted that the Char Dham Yatra acts as a bridge connecting people from South to North and East to West. By supporting local economies and maintaining environmental purity, pilgrims can contribute significantly to the national goal of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
Around the web
