Boost to Winter Pilgrimage and Tourism in Uttarakhand
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (March 6, 2025) visited the Mukhwa temple, the winter abode of Goddess Ganga, in Uttarkashi district. This marks his first visit to the temple as Prime Minister.
Mukhwa, situated on the route to the Gangotri temple, holds great religious significance as the winter home of Goddess Ganga. Every year, after the closure of Gangotri Dham for winter, the idol of the goddess is ceremoniously moved to Mukhwa temple.
Following his temple visit, the Prime Minister will flag off a trek and bike rally in Harshil, where he is also scheduled to address a public gathering. His visit is expected to enhance winter pilgrimage and tourism in Uttarakhand, aligning with the state’s new initiatives to boost religious tourism.
₹6,000 Crore Ropeway Projects for Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib
A day before his visit, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Mr. Modi, approved two major ropeway projects worth over ₹6,000 crore. These projects, aimed at improving connectivity to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib, are expected to enhance pilgrim convenience and promote tourism in the region.
Uttarakhand’s Winter Tourism Programme Gains Momentum
The Uttarakhand government has launched a Winter Tourism programme to encourage religious tourism and support the local economy. This initiative is focused on promoting homestays, small businesses, and sustainable tourism practices in the region.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended a warm welcome to the Prime Minister, expressing gratitude for his visit. In a post on X, he wrote, “A hearty welcome and greetings to the prime minister on his visit to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, the sacred land of religion, spiritualism, and sacrifice. Residents of the state are excited to receive the prime minister in Mukhwa-Harsil, a land full of spiritual and natural beauty.”
Mr. Dhami further stated that the Prime Minister’s visit would provide a new impetus to the state’s cultural, spiritual, and tourism development, potentially placing Mukhwa on the global tourism map.
