In a significant development for tourism and spirituality in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced the extension of the state’s winter pilgrimage initiative to a full twelve months. This decision aims to enhance religious tourism and provide continuous access to the Char Dham temples throughout the year.
Transforming Pilgrimage into a Year-Round Event
Taking to X, CM Dhami expressed gratitude to Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji for his guidance, stating,
“Under the guidance of the respected Prime Minister, our double engine government has started the winter pilgrimage. Now the pilgrimage in Uttarakhand is being conducted for the entire 12 months instead of 6 months.”
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to encourage tourism, allowing devotees to experience the spiritual ambiance of the Char Dham temples in every season.
Benefits of the Year-Round Pilgrimage
- Increased Tourism: The initiative is expected to boost the number of visitors to various tourist spots in the state.
- Employment Opportunities: The year-round pilgrimage will create new jobs for local residents.
- Spiritual Experience: Devotees can now enjoy the winter seat of Char Dham throughout the year, enriching their spiritual journeys.
Local Impact and Employment Generation
CM Dhami emphasized the dual benefits of the initiative for both tourism and local economies, stating,
“Through this visionary initiative of the Prime Minister, on one hand, travel is being conducted throughout the year in the state, and on the other hand, local people are also getting new employment opportunities.”
This extension is not only aimed at spiritual travelers but also seeks to support the livelihoods of those dependent on tourism.
Digital Innovations in Governance
Alongside the pilgrimage announcement, CM Dhami also launched several digital projects developed by the Department of Information Technology and NIC at the Secretariat. He highlighted the importance of technological advancements in public services, stating:
“In the present times, to make public services more efficient, faster, and inclusive in the digital age, ITDA and NIC have jointly developed various online platforms.”
The new platforms are designed to allow the public to access a variety of services conveniently, all in one place.
Enhancing Cybersecurity and Public Services
According to CM Dhami, the implementation of the S3WaaS (Secure, Scalable, and Sugamya Website as a Service) framework will mark a milestone for cybersecurity in the state. He stated:
“The website of all departments built in the S3WaaS framework will prove to be a milestone in terms of cybersecurity.”
Furthermore, the Chief Minister noted that ITDA has been designated as AUA (Authentication User Agency) and KUA (Key User Agency) by UIDAI, which will enable services related to Aadhaar authentication and E-KYC through various state-developed portals.
Looking Forward
The year-round winter pilgrimage initiative is expected to transform Uttarakhand into a year-round spiritual destination, enhancing both the state’s tourism profile and the livelihoods of its residents. As the state embraces these changes, it stands poised to become a beacon of religious tourism in India..
