Uttarkashi: On the upcoming April 19th—the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya—the gates of Gangotri Dham will be opened for devotees for a period of six months. The pilgrimage priests (Teerth Purohits) announced this date today at the district headquarters during the observance of Chaitra Navratri. The priests stated that the *Doli* (palanquin) bearing the idol of Goddess Ganga will depart from Mukhba on April 18th. Upon its arrival at Gangotri on the morning of April 19th, the gates of the shrine will be opened for devotees at 12:15 PM.
On Thursday, coinciding with Chaitra Navratri, the Gangotri Temple Committee officially announced the date and time—in accordance with the Hindu *Panchang* (almanac)—for opening the gates of Gangotri Dham to devotees for the next six months. Committee President Dharmanand Semwal stated that on Akshaya Tritiya, April 19th, during the auspicious *Shubh Labh Bela* (propitious time), the gates of Gangotri Dham will be opened for devotees at 12:15 PM. On April 18th, the *Bhogmurti Vigrah Doli* (ceremonial palanquin bearing the idol) of Goddess Ganga will depart from Mukhba—her winter abode—at 12:15 PM, accompanied by an Army band and traditional *Dhol-Damau* drums, bound for Gangotri Dham.
The procession will halt for an overnight rest at the Bhairav Temple in Bhairav Ghati. Subsequently, on the morning of April 19th at 7:00 AM, it will resume its journey on foot towards Gangotri Dham. Thereafter, on Akshaya Tritiya, the gates of the shrine will be opened for six months following traditional rituals and rites. Also on April 19th, the gates of the shrine of Goddess Yamuna will be opened for devotees from across the country and abroad.
Regarding the date of the opening, Committee Vice-President Arun Semwal announced that during this year’s Char Dham Yatra, the entry of non-Sanatani individuals into the temple premises will be prohibited. Furthermore, the entry of non-Sanatani individuals will be restricted not only within the temple complex but also at the adjacent Ganga Ghat.
Committee Vice-President Arun Semwal remarked that this marks the first instance where the entry of non-Sanatanis has been prohibited at Gangotri Dham. He has appealed to the government and administrative authorities to extend their cooperation in enforcing this measure. He stated that the temple committee would take strict measures to preserve customs and traditions.
