Offers Prayers for the State’s Prosperity, Plants a Sapling on Harela, Says ₹147-Crore Master Plan Will Transform Jageshwar into a World-Class Spiritual Destination
Jageshwar (Almora): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday formally inaugurated the annual Shravani Fair at the world-renowned Jageshwar Dham amid traditional rituals and Vedic chants. Offering prayers at the ancient temple complex, the Chief Minister sought blessings for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of the people of Uttarakhand. He also extended warm greetings to devotees from across India and abroad on the occasion of the traditional Harela Festival, wishing for the successful and peaceful conduct of the annual fair.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage is its greatest strength. He described Harela as much more than a festival, calling it a symbol of environmental conservation, ecological balance, and the inseparable bond between humanity and nature. Urging citizens to actively participate in tree plantation drives, he also planted a sapling within the Jageshwar temple premises, reinforcing the message of environmental protection.
Speaking at the inaugural public meeting, Chief Minister Dhami said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is committed to preserving and promoting the religious, cultural, and spiritual heritage of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. He described Jageshwar Dham as one of India’s most significant centres of ancient spirituality, where every visitor experiences divine energy and inner peace.
The Chief Minister said that he personally draws renewed inspiration and strength every time he visits the sacred shrine, adding that the spiritual energy of Jageshwar motivates him to work tirelessly for the welfare and development of the people of Uttarakhand.
Highlighting the government’s development initiatives, Dhami said that the Jageshwar Master Plan, with an estimated investment of ₹147 crore, is aimed at preserving the temple’s historic grandeur while significantly improving infrastructure and pilgrim amenities. The project, he said, has been carefully designed to retain the temple complex’s original architectural and cultural identity while providing modern facilities to visitors.
He expressed confidence that the project would accelerate religious and cultural tourism, create employment opportunities for local youth, and strengthen the region’s economy.
The Chief Minister noted that the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Jageshwar Dham had significantly enhanced the temple’s national visibility. As a result, more than four lakh devotees have visited Jageshwar Dham in the last two months alone, reflecting the growing spiritual and tourism appeal of the shrine. He added that the number of visitors is expected to increase further, providing substantial benefits to local businesses, tourism, and self-employment opportunities.
Dhami reiterated that the state government is working with the resolve of “Vikalp Rahit Sankalp” (Unwavering Commitment) to ensure the holistic development of Uttarakhand. He said that through the coordinated efforts of the double-engine government, remarkable progress has been achieved in religious tourism, infrastructure development, connectivity, healthcare, education, and employment generation. He expressed confidence that, with public participation and the continued guidance of the Prime Minister, Uttarakhand would soon emerge as one of India’s leading states.
Appealing to devotees attending the Shravani Fair, the Chief Minister urged them to spread the message of faith, cleanliness, and environmental conservation. He emphasized that preserving the sanctity of Devbhoomi, its natural wealth, and its cultural heritage is a collective responsibility. He described the Shravani Fair as a vibrant celebration of Uttarakhand’s traditions, folk culture, and social harmony, adding that the government is continuously working to make the festival even more grand and spiritually enriching.
Among those present on the occasion were Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta, Cabinet Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, Jageshwar MLA Mohan Singh Mehra, Almora Zila Panchayat Chairperson Hema Gaida, Almora Mayor Ajay Verma, local public representatives, District Magistrate Anshul Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Chandrashekhar R.S., office-bearers of the Jageshwar Temple Committee, local residents, and a large gathering of devotees who witnessed the ceremonial inauguration of the Shravani Fair.