Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Jolly Grant Airport in Uttarakhand on Thursday, where he was warmly received by the state’s Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami.
As part of his visit, PM Modi is scheduled to perform pooja (prayers) and darshan (sacred viewing) at the winter seat of Maa Ganga in Mukhwa around 9:30 am. Following this, at approximately 10:40 am, he will flag off a trek and bike rally and address a public gathering in Harsil.
Expressing his enthusiasm, CM Dhami posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Hearty welcome and greetings to the respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji on his arrival in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, the holy land of religion, spirituality, and sacrifice. All of us residents of the state are eager to welcome the respected Prime Minister on the land full of spiritual and natural beauty of Mukhwa-Harshil (Uttarkashi).”
Meanwhile, a large crowd has gathered ahead of the public meeting of PM Modi and CM Dhami in Harsil.
मुखवा में पतित पावनी मां गंगा के शीतकालीन प्रवास स्थल के दर्शन को लेकर मैं बहुत उत्सुक हूं। यह पावन स्थल अपने आध्यात्मिक माहात्म्य और अद्भुत सौंदर्य के लिए दुनियाभर में प्रसिद्ध है। इतना ही नहीं, यह ‘विरासत भी और विकास भी’ के हमारे संकल्प का एक अनुपम उदाहरण है।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 5, 2025
Ahead of his visit, PM Modi emphasized his government’s commitment to enhancing the state’s economy by boosting tourism. He wrote on X, “We are committed to further strengthen the economy of the state by promoting tourism in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. In this connection, I will get the opportunity to worship Maa Ganga in Mukhwa tomorrow morning at around 9:30 am. After this, I will communicate with my family members in Harsil.”
The Prime Minister also expressed his excitement about visiting the Mukhwa temple, known worldwide for its spiritual importance and breathtaking beauty. He stated, “I am very excited to visit the winter residence of the pure and pure Mother Ganga in Mukhwa. This holy place is famous all over the world for its spiritual significance and amazing beauty. Not only this, it is a unique example of our resolve of ‘heritage as well as development’.”
Earlier, CM Dhami highlighted that the Prime Minister’s visit is aimed at promoting the Winter Tourism Programme. He remarked, “We have started the Sheetkal Yatra. PM Modi is visiting Mukhwa Harsil tomorrow for encouragement so that the yatra gets famous in the country and abroad. His coming to Mukhwa and performing pooja and darshan at the Gangotri Dham will help make it more famous in the country and abroad. This will help in boosting our economy.”
He further added that the promotion of winter tourism would provide year-round employment opportunities for local businesses, taxi drivers, and guides, who usually struggle during off-season months.
The Uttarakhand government has introduced a Winter Tourism Programme this year, which has already attracted thousands of devotees to the winter seats of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The initiative aims to boost religious tourism and support the local economy, including homestays and tourism-related businesses.