Uttarakhand CM Dhami calls pilgrimage sites symbols of unity and cultural solidarity

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday emphasized the significance of pilgrimage sites and the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.'

He said, "Pilgrimage sites are not only the centre of our religious faith, but they are also a symbol of the unity and cultural solidarity of the country." He added, "Devotees coming from different places gather at these places and realize the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.'"

The Chief Minister also highlighted the organization of the Pushkar Kumbh, which is taking place in Mana village of Chamoli district after 12 years. Mana is a border village in Chamoli, and security arrangements have been put in place by the police and district administration to ensure the convenience of pilgrims.

District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari explained that the pedestrian path has been improved for the Pushkar Kumbh at Keshav Prayag in Mana village. He said, "Sign boards in various languages have been installed here for the convenience of the devotees on the pedestrian path.

Along with this, police have been deployed on the footpath for the smooth conduct of Kumbh. SDRF jawans have also been deployed on the Sangam coast."

Tiwari further added that the tehsil administration has been instructed to regularly monitor arrangements to keep the Pushkar Kumbh running smoothly.

According to religious tradition, Pushkar Kumbh is held every 12 years at Keshav Prayag, located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers in Mana village, when Jupiter enters Gemini. The event mainly attracts Vaishnav followers from South India.

Hindu beliefs hold that Maharishi Ved Vyas composed the Mahabharata, the epic mythological text, while performing penance at Keshav Prayag. It is also believed that Ramanujacharya and Madhvacharya attained knowledge from Goddess Saraswati at this sacred site.