PM Modi Prays at the Winter Abode of River Ganga in Mukhwa, Uttarakhand

Uttarkashi, March 6 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Mukhimath Temple, recognized as the winter residence of River Ganga, in Mukhwa village of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, on Thursday. Upon his arrival, he performed rituals and sought blessings from Goddess Ganga, drawing a large crowd of devotees eager to greet him.

During the winter months, on the festival of Diwali, the idol of Goddess Ganga, housed in the renowned Gangotri Temple, is transferred to the Mukhimath Temple in Mukhwa. This relocation occurs as the Gangotri Temple closes due to severe snowfall and freezing temperatures.

For a period of six months, the idol of Ganga is worshipped at the Mukhimath Temple until the Gangotri Temple reopens in summer, at which point the idol is returned in a grand procession filled with festivities.

Upon landing at Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, the Prime Minister was greeted by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

CM Dhami shared on X, "I warmly welcomed the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji at Mukhwa (Uttarkashi), the winter abode of Maa Ganga. His arrival on the sacred land of Harshil-Mukhwa marks a historic moment.

He emphasized, "This visit is crucial for positioning Mukhimnath (Mukhwa) on the global tourism map and enhancing the cultural and religious heritage of our state."

He added, "We take pride in witnessing this historic occasion in Mukhwa. On behalf of the state’s populace, I extend a heartfelt welcome to the esteemed Prime Minister during his winter visit to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand."

After his prayers at the Mukhimath Temple, PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate a trek and bike rally, addressing attendees in the Harsil Valley around 10:35 am.

Prior to his visit, PM Modi expressed on X, "I am thrilled that the double-engine government of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand has initiated a special program this year to promote winter tourism. This initiative not only fosters religious tourism but also allows local businesses, including homestays, to thrive."

"I am looking forward to visiting the winter home of Patit Pavani Maa Ganga in Mukhwa. This sacred place is globally recognized for its spiritual essence and stunning beauty, exemplifying our commitment to both heritage and development," he noted.

"We are dedicated to bolstering the state's economy by promoting tourism in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. My visit allows me to worship Maa Ganga in Mukhwa tomorrow morning at around 9:30 am, after which I will connect with my family in Harshil."

This visit coincides with the Uttarakhand government's newly launched Winter Tourism program, which has already attracted thousands of pilgrims to the winter abodes of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

The initiative aims to stimulate religious tourism while also supporting local enterprises, including hospitality and tourism-related ventures.

The day before the visit, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), under PM Modi's leadership, approved two significant ropeway projects in Uttarakhand.

One of these projects involves a 12.9 km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath, with a capital expenditure of ₹4,081.28 crore, following the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model. Another ropeway, measuring 12.4 km from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji, has been allocated ₹2,730.13 crore.

The CCEA stated that these ropeway projects will improve last-mile connectivity for pilgrims and create significant job opportunities during both construction and operational phases.

The developments are expected to greatly contribute to the region's socio-economic advancement, benefitting industries such as hospitality, travel, food and beverages, and tourism.