Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 6 visited an Uttarakhand Tourist Winter Tourism’ exhibition in Harsil, where he explored the state’s breathtaking destinations and cultural heritage. The exhibition featured renowned sites, including Mahasu Devta, Timmarsain Mahadev Cave, Bala Sundari Temple, Tehri’s paragliding hotspot, Golju Temple, and Kartik Swami Temple.
PM Modi was briefed about the significance and unique aspects of these locations. He also visited an exhibition under the ‘One District, One Product’ initiative, which aims to support local entrepreneurs and promote indigenous Uttarakhand products.
The exhibition showcased traditional attire, Baal Mithai, honey, Buransh juice, handcrafted shawls, and caps. The Prime Minister also witnessed a vibrant folk dance performance, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the state.
Later, PM Modi flagged off a trek to Janak Taal and launched a bike rally from Harsil Valley, marking another step in Uttarakhand’s winter tourism push. The visit aligns with the Uttarakhand Government’s Winter Tourism programme, which has already attracted thousands of devotees to the winter seats of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
The initiative is designed to promote religious tourism while simultaneously boosting local businesses, including homestays and tourism-related ventures. Earlier in the day, upon his arrival in Mukhwa, PM Modi visited the Mukhimath Temple, revered as the winter abode of River Ganga in the Uttarkashi district. He performed rituals and sought blessings from Goddess Ganga as hundreds gathered to welcome him.
Every year, on Diwali, the idol of Goddess Ganga from the Gangotri Temple is moved to Mukhimath Temple due to extreme winter conditions. The idol remains there for six months until the Gangotri Temple reopens in the summer, at which point it is taken back in a grand celebratory procession.
