Tanakpur (Uttarakhand) [India], July 5 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra-2026 from the Tourist Rest House in Tanakpur, Champawat district.
Speaking to reporters after the flag-off ceremony, the Chief Minister said the state government had made necessary arrangements to ensure the comfortable and safe journey of every pilgrim.
"It's a very auspicious day that today we are flagging off 49 devotees of Lord Shiva for the Yatra. It is an emotional moment for me. We flag off this yatra every year. Our effort is to ensure that the journey of every pilgrim is comfortable and safe. For that, the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, district administration, and health and police departments have been monitoring the yatra," he said.
CM Dhami further added, "It is a matter of pride for us that the yatra passes through our border areas, and spiritual tourism will increase in the coming time. The pilgrims will get an opportunity to understand local products and our culture. After completing the yatra, these pilgrims will act as brand ambassadors for our culture and heritage."
Chief Minister Dhami on Sunday participated in the foundation stone laying (Bhoomi Pujan) ceremony for the construction of the Sharda embankment at Boom Sharda Snan Ghat in Uncholigonth, Tanakpur, Champawat district.
The Chief Minister also took part in the 'Mukhya Sevak Samvad' programme.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dhami on Sunday also marked the completion of five years in office by offering prayers at the Bankhandi Mahadev Temple in Chakarpur, Khatima.
The Chief Minister visited the Bankhandi Mahadev Temple in Khatima and offered holy water as part of the prayers. Bankhandi Mahadev Temple is located in his hometown area and saw the visit as a symbolic gesture to mark his five-year tenure.