New Delhi, Apr 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday termed the pilgrimage to the Kedarnath temple and the ‘Chardham’ a divine celebration of India’s enduring faith, unity, and rich cultural traditions.
Expressing deep reverence on the opening of the doors of the Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand, marking the commencement of this year’s ‘Chardham Yatra’, Modi emphasised that such pilgrimages offer a glimpse into the country’s eternal heritage and spiritual consciousness.
Highlighting the spiritual significance of the occasion, Modi said, “The pilgrimage to the Kedarnath temple and the Chardham is a divine celebration of India’s enduring faith, unity, and rich cultural traditions.”
The prime minister also penned a letter for all the devotees visiting Uttarakhand for the Chardham Yatra, extending his best wishes and prayers for their well-being.
The Chardham Yatra is a pilgrimage to the holiest destinations of Hindus – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
In his letter to the devotees, written in Hindi, the prime minister said the sacred Chardham Yatra has commenced in the holy land of Uttarakhand.
On April 19, the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri were opened, and the journey to Kedarnath begins on Wednesday. On April 23, the doors of Badrinath will also open for devotees, he said.
“This holy pilgrimage to the four abodes, including the darshan of Baba Kedar, is a grand celebration of India’s eternal cultural consciousness. Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya gave a new direction to Indian culture through his travels to Badrinath and Kedarnath. Jagadguru Ramanujacharya and Jagadguru Madhvacharya also visited Badrinath to enrich their spiritual philosophies,” Modi said.
Even today, Modi said, these four abodes situated in the lap of the Himalayas are divine centres of people’s eternal faith and belief.
Every year, people from diverse languages, traditions and cultures reach there, further strengthening the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Great India), and this year’s journey is an extension of this very tradition, he said.
The prime minister also said the role of a developed Uttarakhand is vital to the resolution of a developed India.
“A few years ago, at the gateway of Baba Kedar, I had said that this decade would belong to Uttarakhand. Today, the state’s progress is turning that belief into reality. Uttarakhand is setting new records in tourism, spirituality, and economic growth,” he said.
Modi added that the development underway in Uttarakhand over the last few years has made the Chardham Yatra more accessible, safe, and divine than ever before, providing great convenience to pilgrims, saints, and tourists.
In all these efforts, every care is being taken to preserve Uttarakhand’s natural beauty, he said.
“I urge every guest visiting Uttarakhand to savour this new experience. I also encourage all travellers to practice ‘Digital Fasting’ during their journey and try to truly live the natural beauty of Uttarakhand. This will grant you a unique sense of satisfaction,” Modi said.
The prime minister also urged the pilgrims to make five resolutions — maintain cleanliness in and around the shrines, including a vow to make this a single-use plastic-free journey; remain sensitive towards the divine Himalayan land, including contributing to the environment; an emphasis on service, cooperation, and unity.
The other two are promoting ‘Vocal for Local’ or spending at least 5 per cent of travel budget on buying local products; and following discipline, safety, and decorum, including travel rules and traffic instructions.
Modi said that in recent years, a large number of content creators and influencers have started visiting the Chardham, and urged them to take the local stories and small traditions of Uttarakhand to the masses.
“I am confident that with these resolutions, your journey will become an unparalleled experience. Every stage of the Chardham Yatra will connect you more deeply with the purity of nature, our rich cultural heritage, and your duties toward the nation.
“May the blessings of Baba Kedar and all four abodes infuse new energy, new inspiration, and new resolutions into your life. This is my prayer. Heartfelt best wishes to all of you for a successful, safe, divine, and soulful journey,” Modi said. (PTI)
