<p>Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has stated that the state government is fully ready for the upcoming winter Char Dham Yatra. He expressed his belief that this winter pilgrimage will be a major boost for tourism and the economy, describing it as a game changer for the state.</p><p>The Char Dham Yatra traditionally takes place over five months during the summer, but starting this year, the government has introduced the winter Char Dham Yatra for those who wish to visit the holy shrines during the winter months.</p><p><strong>Winter Char Dham Pilgrimage to Start Today</strong></p><p>On December 8, Chief Minister Dhami will kick off the winter pilgrimage season by visiting Baba Kedar in Ukhimath, located in Rudraprayag district. The winter worship of Baba Kedar takes place at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. The Uddhav idol, the messenger of Lord Badri, is also worshipped during the winter season in Pandukeshwar. In Kharsali village, Uttarkashi district, the winter worship of Maa Yamunotri is observed, while Maa Gangotri is worshipped in Mukhaba village along the Bhagirathi River in Uttarkashi.</p><p>We are starting the winter pilgrimage this year. The plan is in place, and instructions for preparation have been given to everyone, said Chief Minister Dhami.</p><p><strong>Winter Char Dham Yatra Locations</strong></p><p>The Char Dham pilgrimage usually occurs from May to October, but the winter Yatra offers a unique chance for devotees to visit alternative shrines during the colder months. Due to heavy snowfall, the main Char Dham shrines—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—close for the winter season. Pilgrims will instead visit alternative locations like Ukhimath, Pandukeshwar, Kharsali, and Mukhwa.</p><p><strong>A Game Changer for Uttarakhand</strong></p><p>CM Dhami believes that the winter pilgrimage will be transformative for the state, extending the Char Dham travel period beyond the usual five to six months. The winter pilgrimage will prove to be a game changer for us in the coming times because our travel period (to Char Dham) is about five months to six months and even after that we have many places where people can come, he added.</p><p>The Chief Minister emphasized the state governments commitment to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for pilgrims. Visitors should not face any kind of trouble and they should be able to enjoy the place and its weather throughout the year, he said.</p><p><strong>BJPs Victory and the Blessings of Baba Kedarnath</strong></p><p>While in the region, CM Dhami also took the opportunity to thank the people of Rudraprayag, saying that he would remain there to meet them and show his appreciation for their support. He prayed to Baba Kedarnath and attributed the recent election victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the blessings of the revered deity. It was an election on Baba Kedarnath Dham. I would say that this victory is the victory of the people of Kedarnath Assembly... This victory is against those who spread lies and confusion. And this is the defeat of those who did politics of casteism, lies and confusion, he said.</p><p>He also acknowledged the support received by BJP candidate Asha Nautiyal and expressed his gratitude to the people for their involvement in what he called not an ordinary election.</p><p>The winter Char Dham Yatra is going to be a significant development for Uttarakhand, offering opportunities for pilgrims throughout the year. With the governments preparations, Chief Minister Dhami aims to create a seamless and enjoyable experience for pilgrims while also boosting local tourism.</p>