Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the revered Mukhba Temple in Uttarakhand today, marking a significant moment ahead of the 2025 Char Dham Yatra. The temple, which serves as the winter abode for the idol of Maa Ganga, is a spiritual landmark nestled in the Himalayas.
A Sacred Winter Pilgrimage
Mukhba, a quaint village near the Gangotri shrine, is where devotees seek blessings from Maa Ganga during the winter months. The Gangotri Temple, blanketed in snow during this period, remains inaccessible, necessitating the annual transfer of the idol to Mukhba. Modi’s visit underscores the spiritual and cultural importance of this tradition.
The idol will remain in Mukhba until May when it will be ceremonially returned to Gangotri in a grand procession that marks the beginning of the Char Dham Yatra. Last year, the pilgrimage attracted a record 50 lakh devotees, with even larger numbers anticipated this year.
Strengthening Uttarakhand’s Tourism
The Prime Minister’s presence in Uttarakhand is expected to give a boost to religious tourism in the region. The state government has been actively promoting winter tourism, aiming to extend the pilgrimage season beyond the traditional summer months.
- Garhwal Mandal Development Corporation (GMVN) has reported significant growth in revenue:
- 2020-21: Rs 3,146.63 lakh
- 2021-22: Rs 3,297.41 lakh
- 2022-23: Rs 7,832.14 lakh
- 2023-24: Rs 8,145.15 lakh
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami expressed optimism about the PM’s visit, stating that it would provide a further push to the region’s winter travel economy. “The arrival of the Prime Minister will undoubtedly boost footfall and encourage more investment in tourism infrastructure,” he said.
Infrastructure Push for Religious Tourism
Coinciding with Modi’s visit, the Union Cabinet has greenlit major infrastructure projects to improve accessibility to Uttarakhand’s sacred sites. A ropeway to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib has been approved, promising to ease the journey for thousands of pilgrims.
Additionally, work on the first-ever railway link to the Char Dham circuit is progressing at a fast pace. A key 13.5 km rail tunnel to Karnaprayag is expected to be completed next year, further strengthening connectivity in the region.
A Symbolic Gesture and Community Engagement
Local temple authorities at Mukhba are preparing to welcome the Prime Minister with traditional honors. It is expected that Modi may be presented with the customary Chapkan attire, which he might wear while offering prayers.
Apart from the temple visit, the PM’s itinerary includes a public address in Harsil, a scenic Himalayan town. He will also flag off a trek and bike rally, aligning with the broader vision of promoting adventure tourism alongside spiritual travel.
With an increasing number of devotees and improved infrastructure, Uttarakhand continues to emerge as a year-round pilgrimage destination. PM Modi’s visit reaffirms the state’s dual focus on heritage and development, reinforcing its position as a spiritual and tourism hub.
