Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami unveiled the Goddess Yamuna statue, inaugurated Hari Ghat, and laid the foundation stone for the Yamuna-Krishna Temple in Kalsi, Jaunsar-Bawar. The events, part of Modi’s birthday programmes, aim to boost religious tourism, local employment, and cultural preservation across the region.
India
-Oneindia Staff
Dehradun: Chants in praise of Goddess Yamuna reverberated across Haripur Kalsi as Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami unveiled the statue of Goddess Yamuna and inaugurated Hari Ghat on Wednesday.
The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for the proposed Yamuna-Krishna Temple, marking a significant step towards strengthening the spiritual and cultural identity of Kalsi and the wider Jaunsar-Bawar region. The programmes were organised on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. A special ‘Lamp of Blessings’ programme and prayer ceremony were held on the sacred banks of the Yamuna, with Dhami participating alongside saints, religious leaders, devotees and local residents.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami unveiled the Goddess Yamuna statue, inaugurated Hari Ghat, and laid the foundation stone for the Yamuna-Krishna Temple in Kalsi, Jaunsar-Bawar. The events, part of Modi’s birthday programmes, aim to boost religious tourism, local employment, and cultural preservation across the region.
As part of the ‘Lamp of Blessings’ programme, 2,100 lamps were lit along the Yamuna riverbank. Dhami also lit a lamp and offered prayers for the happiness, prosperity, peace and welfare of the people of Uttarakhand.
The illuminated riverbank created a spiritual atmosphere in Kalsi, with devotees, saints and local residents participating in the prayer ceremony. The event showcased the region’s religious and cultural traditions.
Dhami said such programmes can help connect the younger generation with India’s ancient spiritual traditions while promoting Uttarakhand’s religious and cultural heritage across the country and the world.
Kalsi’s Spiritual Identity to Get a Boost
Addressing the gathering, Dhami described Kalsi as a region with a rich history, faith and cultural heritage. He said the unveiling of the Goddess Yamuna statue, inauguration of Hari Ghat and the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Yamuna-Krishna Temple would strengthen the spiritual identity of the area. He said the Yamuna-Krishna Temple would also contribute to the religious and cultural development of Kalsi.
₹150 Crore Approved for Hanol Master Plan
The Chief Minister said the state government is working on the comprehensive development of the Jaunsar-Bawar region. He highlighted the approval of ₹150 crore for the Hanol Master Plan as an important step towards improving infrastructure related to religious tourism.
The initiative is expected to provide better facilities for pilgrims and tourists visiting Hanol while supporting the development of the region as a religious tourism destination. Dhami said special attention is also being given to the beautification and development of Lakhamandal and other historical, religious and tourism destinations in the Jaunsar region.
Religious Tourism to Create Local Employment
According to the Chief Minister, the government’s development initiatives are aimed not only at improving pilgrimage and tourist destinations but also at ensuring that local communities benefit economically.
The expansion of tourism activities is expected to support homestays, local products, handicrafts, transportation, food services and other self-employment opportunities.
Dhami said these activities can create new employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth and entrepreneurs while strengthening the regional economy. He also highlighted the distinctive folk culture, traditions, architecture and natural beauty of Jaunsar-Bawar as important components of Uttarakhand’s heritage. He said preservation of the region’s cultural traditions and heritage would remain an important part of the development process.
Uttarakhand Focuses on Faith, Heritage and Development
Dhami said the development of religious and spiritual destinations in Uttarakhand has gained momentum under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He said that alongside the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, the state is working to improve facilities at various mythological, historical and religious destinations.
Kalsi, Hanol, Lakhamandal and the wider Jaunsar-Bawar region are among the areas being developed with a focus on their religious and tourism potential.
The Chief Minister said the government’s objective is to combine Uttarakhand’s spiritual and religious heritage with modern tourism facilities. He added that this approach can support the state’s broader development while creating employment opportunities for local communities. MLA Munna Singh Chauhan, Secretary Ranveer Singh Chauhan, Additional Secretary Banshidhar Tiwari, Parmarth Niketan President Swami Chidanand Muni, public representatives, saints, religious leaders and a large number of local residents attended the event.
