Uttarkashi/Chamoli, Oct 25 (PTI) The season’s first snowfall at the Yamunotri shrine in Uttarakhand on Sunday brought cheer to pilgrims visiting the temple, while Kedarnath also witnessed snowfall amid a drop in temperatures as the Char Dham Yatra entered its final phase.
Rain and snowfall at Yamunotri and snowfall at Kedarnath prompted a temple committee member to advise pilgrims to carry essential medicines and take precautions while travelling to the shrines.
Vinit Posti, a specially invited member of the Shri Kedarnath-Badrinath Temple Committee, appealed to pilgrims to carry all essential medicines and exercise caution during their journey.
Pilgrims at Yamunotri were thrilled to witness the snowfall, with devotees who had arrived to seek the blessings of Goddess Yamuna taking the opportunity to enjoy the natural scenery amid the falling snow.
Girish Uniyal, secretary of the Panch Panda Samiti, said pilgrims were visibly excited by the season’s first snowfall.
“For some, it was their first time witnessing snowfall from such close quarters, leaving them absolutely overjoyed,” he said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast very light to light rain or snowfall at isolated places in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, Chamoli and Pithoragarh districts of Uttarakhand on Sunday.
A surge in pilgrim arrivals during the final phase of the summer Char Dham Yatra has brought renewed activity to Yamunotri shrine, offering relief and optimism to local business owners whose livelihoods depend on the pilgrimage.
Around 6,000 pilgrims reached Yamunotri Dham on Saturday to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Goddess Yamuna.
Sunil Uniyal, secretary of the Yamunotri Temple Committee, said pilgrims from various parts of the country were arriving at the shrine during the final leg of the summer pilgrimage.
“This influx has not only enlivened the shrine but has also proven beneficial for those involved in the Char Dham Yatra trade,” he said.
The portals of Yamunotri will close for the six-month winter season on November 11, the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj, Uniyal said.
During winter, devotees will be able to seek the blessings of Goddess Yamuna at the Yamuna Temple in Kharsali. PTI COR SPY SPY NB
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