Summary:
Dehradun: The Char Dham yatra started on Wednesday as portals of revered Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines were thrown open to public in the afternoon amid the blowing of conch shells and beating of drums. While the portals of Yamunotri dham opened at 12.15pm, gates of Gangotri shrine opened at 1.15pm.District magistrate (Uttarkashi) Ashish Chauhan said that the palanquin of Ganga reached Gangotri early on Wednesday after leaving Mukha village, the winter abode of the deity, on Tuesday. District officials will provide all possible help to the pilgrims.”Meanwhile, the palanquin of Yamuna left its winter abode of Kharsali on Wednesday morning and reached Yamunotri shrine.On the occasion, Yamunotri MLA Kedar Rawat said, “Char Dham yatra has picked up pace after 2013 flash floods. We are working hard to maintain the momentum by extending facilities and any kind of support to the pilgrims.” The procession took a night halt at Bhairav Ghati, 8 km from Gangotri..