(Tribune)
The portals of the Yamunotri and Gangotri shrines in Uttarakhand were thrown open for the pilgrims on Wednesday signalling the beginning of the first leg of the Char Dham yatra. The portals of Yamunotri were opened at 12.15 pm and that of the Gangotri temple at 1.15 pm, an opportune time decided by the pandits in advance, according to the Hindu panchang.The traditional ritual began after the idols of Goddesses Yamunotri and Gangotri were brought in palanquins by the villagers where they are worshipped during their winter sojourn. On the arrival of the deities, the pandits recited vedic hymns and performed elaborate rituals inside the temple.
