PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Uttarkashi The winter Char Dham Yatra began from Kharsali, the winter abode of Goddess Yamuna in Uttarkashi district on Saturday. Jyotishpeeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati ceremoniously inaugurated the winter Yatra. Addressing the gathering of local residents and devotees, he said that the winter Yatra is not just a journey to the mountains but a journey of the soul. “Humans who pay obeisance at the feet of Goddesses Ganga and Yamuna leave their inner weakenesses and progress on the path of sacredness, responsibility and sensitivity. This spiritual tradition flowing in the lap of the Himalaya is the basis of the strength of Sanatan Dharm and the welfare of society. This land is where saints undertook penance and every devotee arriving here will certainly experience divine energy,” he said. Earlier on Friday, special prayers were held in the winter abode of Goddess Ganga- Mukhba to herald the start of the winter Yatra. 
The local residents opine that the winter Yatra is not only a spiritual celebration but also a living example of the culture, traditions and faith of the border mountainous regions. The winter Yatra is also expected to boost income generation activities for local residents, encourage tourism and business activities in the region. Meanwhile, the Bhagirathi and Yamuna valleys were abuzz with devotees and activities on the first day of the winter Yatra on Saturday. It is pertinent to mention here that the State government has been focusing on encouraging the winter Yatra while also linking it to winter tourism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently appreciated such efforts during his Mann Ki Baat address.
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