Dehradun: Ahead of the Char Dham Yatra 2024, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami virtually flagged off 300 ‘Sevadars’ of the ‘Bhandara Program’ running along with the Baba Kedarnath Doli Yatra from Uttarakhand Sadan in Delhi on Sunday.
In a post on X, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “A team of 300 volunteers of the ‘Bhandara Programme’ running along with the Baba Kedarnath Doli Yatra was flagged off virtually from Uttarakhand Sadan, New Delhi.”
He added, “Many devotees participate in this holy pilgrimage from Ukhimath to Kedarnath Dham, this bhandara being organised for them is a commendable step. Best wishes to all the volunteers for organising the programme successfully.”
Expressing happiness, he said, “Our Char Dham situated in the sacred Himalayan region of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is the symbol of the faith of Sanatan lovers all over the world… The doors of Baba Shri Kedarnath Dham are going to open on Akshaya Tritiya on May 10.”
Before the Char Dham begins, the Panchmukhi Bhogmurti (a five-faced idol of Lord Hanuman) of Lord Kedarnath, Chal Vigraha Utsav Doli Yatra, departs for its abode from Panchkedar Gaddisthal Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath and then reaches Shri Kedarnath Dham from Guptkashi via Fata and Gaurikund.
Thousands of devotees of Baba from India and abroad participate in this grand and divine Doli Yatra of four days. During this time, devotees take the Utsav Doli Yatra to Kedarnath Dham amid the sound of Veda mantras and spiritual songs.
During the four-day journey, Bhandara is organised by the youth of the state. CM Dhami will make food and other essential arrangements for all devotees coming for the Utsav Doli Yatra of Baba Kedar.
Like 2023, this year too, ‘sevadar team’ will organise ‘Mukhya Sevak Ka Bhandara Programme’ from May 5 to May 10. All preparations have been completed to successfully conduct the Bhandara in Ukhimath, Guptkashi, Fata, Gaurikund and Kedarnath. Special care will be taken for cleanliness and the environment during the entire programme.
On May 6, morning Bhandara will be organised at Ukhimath while afternoon and night Bhandara at Guptkashi. May 7 will witness morning Bhandara at Guptkashi and afternoon and night Bhandara at Fata.
On May 8, morning Bhandara at Fata and afternoon and night Bhandara at Gaurikund will be organised. On May 9, there will be morning Bhandara at Gaurikund along with Bhandara distribution through packets for afternoon and night Bhandara at Kedarnath Dham.
A full-day Bhandara at four different locations will be organised in Kedarnath.
On May 9, Baba Kedar’s palanquin will be reaching Shri Kedarnath Dham passing through various stops and on May 10, when the doors of the temple will open, flowers will be showered from the sky by helicopter at various places.
On the day of the opening of doors, performances will be given by nationally renowned bhajan singers from the decorated stage in the temple courtyard. (ANI)
