PM Modi to Visit Uttarakhand; Focus on Winter Tourism and Pilgrimage

DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to visit Uttarakhand on February 27. This time he would visit Mukhba and Kharsali in Uttarkashi. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has officially informed the Uttarakhand government about the tentative visit. In light of this, senior police officials going to convene a high-level meeting on February 12 to ensure seamless security arrangements and a peaceful visit to Uttarkashi.

This visit gains special significance as it aligns with the state’s recent efforts to promote winter tourism and pilgrimage. Earlier, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had met PM Modi and extended an invitation to participate in the winter Char Dham Yatra. Uttarakhand launched its winter tourism campaign this year, urging visitors to explore the winter abodes of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. As we know that Maa Gangotro stays in Mukhba, Maa Yamunotri stays in Kharsali, Baba Kedarnath stays in Ukhimath and Baba Badri Vishal stays in Pandukeshwar.

The winter Char Dham initiative aims to provide a year-round source of income for locals by extending the pilgrimage season. Traditionally, these shrines see a decline in visitors during the colder months when the deities are moved to their winter locations. However, the state’s efforts to promote winter pilgrimages have started yielding results, with a significant increase in the number of pilgrims visiting during this period.

As the Char Dham Yatra is intricately tied to the state’s economy, this initiative is a crucial step toward ensuring sustainable livelihoods for thousands of people dependent on tourism. PM Modi’s visit is expected to bring further attention to these efforts and boost the state’s drive to position Uttarakhand as a year-round tourism destination.

The state government’s proactive approach, coupled with the PM’s involvement, is likely to create new opportunities for Uttarakhand’s tourism and economic growth.