Virtual Char Dham darshan soon: Minister
Though the Yatra is suspended this year due to the pandemic, we respect the religious sentiments of the devotees across the world. Hence we have decided to start virtual Char Dham darshan. SATPAL MAHARAJ, Uttarakhand tourism minister
DEHRADUN: Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Uttarakhand tourism minister will soon start virtual Char Dham “darshan and puja” for the devotees.
The development comes after the state government suspended this year’s Char Dham Yatra to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines. State tourism minister Satpal Maharaj took the initiative and chief minister Tirath Singh Rawat approved it.
After the approval, Maharaj directed chairman of Char Dham Devasthanam Management Board Ravinath Raman to make required arrangements.
Maharaj said, “Though the Yatra is suspended this year due to the pandemic, we respect the religious sentiments of the devotees across the world. Hence we have decided to start virtual Char Dham darshan for them under which they would be able to virtually visit the four shrines and offer puja except their sanctum sanctorum.”
He said, “I spoke to CM on that on Thursday and he welcomed it citing the present situation. I have directed the chairman of Char Dham Devasthanam Management Board to make arrangements after which it will start in next few days.”
Meanwhile, on Friday, the portals of Yamunotri shrine opened amid Covid-19 precautions. According to officials, the portals were opened at 12.15pm on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya on Friday.
During the ceremony of the opening of portals, few priests were present to offer Puja.
Congratulating the devotees on opening of portals, Rawat said, “This time due to the pandemic the Yatra has been suspended. Hence, I urge all the devotees to offer their puja while staying at home. The Yatra will start as soon as the situation normalises.”