The Prime Minister urged people from throughout India, particularly the youth, to visit Uttarakhand in winter, pointing out that while the rest of the country is covered in fog, the mountains shine in warm sunlight. In Garhwali, this is known as ‘Gham Tapo Tourism’.
During a day-long visit to Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vigorously pushed winter pilgrimage and tourism from Mukhwa to Harsil. He extended an open invitation to pilgrims, tourists, corporate professionals, and members of the film industry to visit Uttarakhand during the winter months. The Prime Minister dubbed Uttarakhand’s winter tourism ‘Gham Tapo Tourism’ (Basking in the Sun Tourism).
The Prime Minister addressed a public gathering in Harsil on Thursday, first expressing his condolences to the victims of the recent avalanche in Mana. He then discussed Uttarakhand’s strong spiritual aura and expressed his emotional attachment to the land. The Prime Minister stated that he was blessed to be in Mukhwa, Mother Ganga’s winter home, with his own people. He recalled that it was only through the grace of Mother Ganga that he was able to serve Uttarakhand for decades, and it was her blessing that brought him to Kashi as a Member of Parliament. He recounted a significant realisation he had a few months ago: Mother Ganga had embraced him as if he were her own child, and it was her affection that had guided him to Mukhwa.
The Prime Minister also fondly remembered Harsil’s ‘Didi-Bhuli’ (sisters), who frequently delivered him the region’s famous Rajma beans and other local produce.
Uttarakhand’s Decade Is Taking Shape
The Prime Minister recalled his visit to Kedarnath a few years ago, when, after seeking the deity’s blessings, an inner voice said that this decade will be dedicated to Uttarakhand. That event, he claimed, was not merely a personal emotion but a spiritual inspiration from Baba Kedar. Today, those words are becoming a reality. Uttarakhand is forging new routes, fulfilling the dreams that led to the state’s inception.
Appreciation of the Chief Minister’s Winter Tourism Initiative
The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of winter pilgrimage and tourism, praising Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s initiative in this regard. He emphasised the importance of making Uttarakhand’s tourist sector multidimensional and year-round, ensuring that tourism is ‘on’ throughout all seasons. Currently, most tourists visit Uttarakhand between March and June, leaving hotels, resorts, and homestays desolate during the winter. This imbalance hurts the state’s economy throughout the majority of the year.
However, if people from all over India and the world come to Uttarakhand in the winter, they will experience the mystical aura of Devbhoomi in its truest form. They will also like adventurous activities like trekking and skiing.
Winter is Spiritually Significant Too
The Prime Minister mentioned that the winter season has great religious importance in Uttarakhand. Many spiritual rites are performed at various pilgrimage locations during this time. The great rites performed in Mukhwa village are an essential component of traditional traditions. As a result, the state government’s ambition for year-round tourism will provide visitors with a magnificent experience while also providing jobs throughout the year.
Double-Engine Government Working Together
The Prime Minister highlighted the smooth collaboration between the national and state administrations, stating that Uttarakhand is on its way to becoming a developed state. Infrastructure projects such as Char Dham all-weather roads, modern motorways, trains, and increased heli-services are being developed. Recently, the central government granted ropeways for Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib, significantly cutting travel time. The Kedarnath ropeway will reduce the 8-9 hour trip to 30 minutes, making it simpler for the elderly, women, and children to complete the pilgrimage.
Focus on Border Villages
The Prime Minister emphasised the dramatic increase in tourist footfall in Uttarakhand, stating that before 2014, just 18 lakh pilgrims visited the Char Dham annually; however, now over 50 lakh make the pilgrimage each year. This year’s Union Budget includes ambitions to create 50 major tourism attractions, with a focus on drawing people to border areas.
These border settlements, formerly thought to be India’s last villages, are now recognised as the first. The Vibrant Villages Programme involves reviving villages like as Nelang and Jadung that were abandoned following the 1962 conflict with China. Now, 70 years later, the government is reconstructing these settlements. Tourist attractions are also being constructed in Timmersain, Mahadevsain, Mana, and Jadung.
‘Gham Tapo Tourism’ in Garhwali
The Prime Minister urged people from throughout India, particularly the youth, to visit Uttarakhand in winter, pointing out that while the rest of the country is covered in fog, the mountains shine in warm sunlight. In Garhwali, this is known as ‘Gham Tapo Tourism’.
The Prime Minister invited corporations to have their meetings, conferences, and exhibitions in Uttarakhand, where they may rejuvenate with yoga and Ayurveda. He also encouraged college and university students to organise winter visits to Uttarakhand.
Destination for Film Shoots and Weddings
The Prime Minister emphasised India’s multibillion-dollar wedding sector and reiterated his demand to ‘Wed in India’. Uttarakhand, he believes, may be an ideal location for winter weddings. Similarly, the film industry should take use of the state’s breathtaking scenery, as Uttarakhand has previously been named the Most Film-Friendly State. Film filming facilities are being greatly improved.
He stated that many global places thrive on winter tourism, and Uttarakhand may benefit from their success stories. Hot springs throughout the state, for example, might be converted into wellness spas. Similarly, spiritual and yoga organizations can organise unique winter retreats in Uttarakhand.
Role of Content Creators
The Prime Minister also cited a winter tourism exhibition in Harsil, saying it reminded him of his youth and made him want to return to all of these places. He emphasised the importance of leveraging content makers to raise awareness about Uttarakhand’s winter tourism, even proposing a national tournament to promote it.
The Prime Minister completed his speech with rousing cries of ‘Ganga Maiya Ki Jai’.
Chief Minister Welcomes the Prime Minister
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed the Prime Minister on behalf of all Uttarakhand residents. He expressed admiration for Modi’s continuous commitment to preserve the state’s spiritual and cultural heritage. He highlighted major achievements under the Prime Minister’s leadership, such as the successful Global Investors Summit, G20 meetings, the implementation of the UCC law, and the great hosting of the 38th National Games.
The Chief Minister recalled how, throughout trials such as the Kedarnath calamity, the Joshimath land collapse, the Silkyara tunnel rescue, and the current Mana avalanche, the Prime Minister stood strongly with Uttarakhand.
The speaker expressed gratitude to Modi for funding ₹4,081 crore for the Kedarnath ropeway and ₹2,730 crore for the Hemkund Sahib ropeway. These investments will help pilgrims and enhance religious tourism. Dhami emphasised that Char Dham Yatra is an important part of Uttarakhand’s economy, supporting hoteliers, taxi companies, retailers, and thousands of local people.
To alleviate the economic slowdown during the winter months, the government has officially introduced winter pilgrimage tours under the Prime Minister’s direction. The CM stated that his visit will strengthen this project and encourage trekking, mountain biking, and adventure tourism.
Looking ahead, Uttarakhand is preparing for two big religious events: the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra and the Kumbh Mela, both of which are projected to be huge successes under the Prime Minister’s guidance.
Union Minister Ajay Tamta, Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj, BJP State President Mahendra Bhatt, MP Mala Rajyalakshmi Shah, and MLA Suresh Chauhan were among the notable attendees.