The total number of pilgrims reached 51,04,975, up from 46,69,074 in the previous year. Kedarnath recorded the largest footfall with over 17.68 lakh devotees offering darshan and puja. Badrinath followed with 16.60 lakh pilgrims, while Gangotri welcomed 7.57 lakh, and Yamunotri saw 6.44 lakh pilgrims.

Hemkund Sahib also recorded its highest turnout ever, reaching 2.74 lakh visitors for the first time—significantly higher than the previous two years.

With the closing of the portals of Badrinath Dham, preparations for the winter yatra have intensified. Worship services will now continue at traditional winter sites such as Pandukeshwar, Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, Mukhba, and Kharsali.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to strengthen winter travel arrangements, focusing on transport, stay facilities, and safety. Improved infrastructure under ongoing reconstruction projects, especially in Kedarnath, has boosted pilgrim comfort and confidence.

The post Chardham Yatra 2025 Record Surge: Devotee Numbers Rise Sharply appeared first on India Podcast.

These zones also support the state’s first Yoga Policy, which Dhami launched on International Yoga Day. The policy wants to make Uttarakhand a global yoga and wellness centre. It offers subsidies of up to ₹20 lakh for yoga and meditation centres. It also provides grants of up to ₹10 lakh for research in yoga and wellness.

Dhami believes these projects will help reduce migration from hill areas. When tourism grows, local families get more work and more income. He said young people can stay in their villages if they find good opportunities near home.

The government also plans to build modern wellness towns in both regions. These towns will welcome global yoga teachers, wellness experts, and spiritual leaders. The new zones will give tourism a new direction and support long-term economic growth.

The post Uttarakhand Plans Spiritual Zones to Boost Tourism and Jobs appeared first on India Podcast.

Shailesh Matiyani remains one of the most respected storytellers in modern Hindi writing. His stories portray the struggles, emotions, and lived realities of ordinary people with unmatched depth. The Chief Minister praised his ability to shape emotions into unforgettable narratives that still inspire readers today.

The government aims to acknowledge creators who strengthen the cultural identity of Uttarakhand. Works like Boriwali Se Boriband, Muthbher, Adhagini, and Chil continue to hold important places in Hindi literature for their timeless relevance.

Rakesh Matiyani expressed heartfelt gratitude to the state government and said the honour brings pride not only to the family but also to literature lovers across Uttarakhand. The moment highlighted the bond between the state and its literary heritage, reinforcing the importance of recognising artists whose words continue to guide society.

The ceremony became a reminder that great writing lives on, shaping generations beyond the lifetime of its creators.

The post Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman 2025 Honors Shailesh Matiyani appeared first on India Podcast.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami encouraged students to correct mistakes through proper time planning. He said that a student grows faster when they stay disciplined and keep faith in their abilities. He also praised the students for their excellent performance and dedication.

Dhami shared memories from his own school journey. He described how his first educational tour motivated him to learn continuously. He told the students that the future of the nation rests on the shoulders of the youth and encouraged them to stay committed to their goals.

Remembering Swami Vivekananda, he said that every person holds great inner strength. To use this strength, he advised the students to stay focused, follow rules, and work hard. He stressed that challenges help students grow and build confidence.

MLA Vinod Kandari also joined the programme, adding support to the encouraging interaction.

The post Bharat Darshan Tour Students Meet CM Dhami, Gain Life Lessons appeared first on India Podcast.

PM Modi posted on X that he feels privileged to take part in the state’s formation celebrations. He said the government is fully committed to developing Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. Around 12:30 p.m., he will inaugurate and lay the foundation for several key projects and release a commemorative postage stamp marking the occasion.

The Prime Minister will launch projects worth ₹930 crore and lay foundations for works worth ₹7,210 crore. These include the Dehradun water supply project, solar power plants, and AstroTurf Hockey Ground in Haldwani. He will also initiate Song Dam and Jamarani Dam projects to strengthen water supply and power generation in the region.

PM Modi will transfer ₹62 crore directly into the accounts of over 28,000 farmers under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said citizens are eagerly awaiting the Prime Minister’s visit, adding that many development works in Uttarakhand have taken shape under Modi’s leadership.

The post PM Modi to Launch ₹8,140 Cr Projects in Uttarakhand appeared first on India Podcast.

Uttarakhand was created on November 9, 2000, from northern Uttar Pradesh and was initially called Uttaranchal. It was renamed Uttarakhand in 2007. The new hill state was formed after years of activism by local residents seeking development and preservation of their cultural identity.

CM Dhami emphasized the government’s focus on youth and employment generation. Over the past four years, more than 25,000 jobs were provided, and efforts continue to ensure transparent recruitment exams. A recent exam was cancelled after a complaint, and the process will be closely monitored.

The Chief Minister also highlighted improvements in health and cooperative sectors. Government hospitals now offer 207 free pathological tests, ensuring affordable care. Cooperative bank membership has tripled, deposits rose to Rs 16,000 crore, and the MSP of Mandwa grain increased from Rs 42.90 to Rs 48.86 per kg.

The post Uttarakhand Marks 25 Years with Special Session appeared first on India Podcast.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called the decision historic. He said it will modernize education and provide equal opportunities to every child, regardless of class or community. The changes aim to make the state’s education system more uniform, inclusive, and future-ready.

From the academic session starting July 2026, minority schools must follow the national curriculum and the New Education Policy. Subjects like science, mathematics, and social studies will be compulsory. Technical education and vocational training will also be introduced, empowering students for better career prospects.

Uttarakhand is now the first state in India to integrate Madrasas into the mainstream education system. While some organisations raised concerns about preserving cultural and religious identity, the government assured that religious education will continue alongside modern studies. Experts believe this step will improve learning outcomes and promote social inclusion.

The post Uttarakhand Abolishes Madrasa Board, Introduces New Education Bill appeared first on India Podcast.

Speaking to reporters, CM Dhami emphasised a zero-tolerance policy against malpractice. “The future of our youth will not be compromised. Every guilty person will face action. More than 100 individuals linked to cheating mafias are already behind bars, and investigations are ongoing at multiple levels,” he said.

Khalid Malik was arrested on September 24 in connection with leaking 12 questions from the UKSSSC examination held on September 21 between 11 am and 1 pm. Earlier, his sister was also taken into custody and has been sent to judicial custody.

Dehradun SSP Ajay Singh stated that investigators are examining both individual and larger conspiracy angles. While initial evidence does not suggest the involvement of a major organised gang, authorities continue to explore all possibilities to ensure accountability.

The paper leak has raised concerns among aspirants about the fairness and integrity of the examination. Authorities have assured students that all steps will prioritise their interests and safeguard the credibility of the recruitment process.

As the investigation continues, CM Dhami’s firm stance sends a clear message: malpractice in exams will not be tolerated, and the state government is committed to protecting students’ futures.

The post Uttarakhand CM Promises Strict Action After UKSSSC Paper Leak appeared first on India Podcast.

Brahmacharini, meaning devoted female student, is the second form of Navdurga, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. She is depicted wearing a white sari, holding a rosary and a water pot, symbolizing spiritual discipline, penance, and purity.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also extended wishes on X. Both prayed for faith, self-confidence, health, and happiness for all devotees observing the festival across the states.

The nine-day Shardiya Navratri began on September 22 and will continue until October 2. Each day honors a different form of Goddess Durga. Devotees observed special prayers, rituals, and fasts, with large crowds visiting temples across India from morning to seek blessings.

The post Navratri Day Two: PM Modi, CMs Offer Greetings appeared first on India Podcast.

The Chief Minister explained that the exhibition showcases various welfare schemes and development projects launched by the government. He said it is important for citizens to understand how these programs benefit them directly. According to him, the Seva Pakhwada is also about building awareness of social responsibility and collective action.

The exhibition featured stalls on healthcare, digital services, rural development, women empowerment, skill training, and education reforms. Dhami noted that these initiatives aim to reach every section of society, especially the poor, youth, and marginalized groups.

In addition, he urged young people to participate in Seva Pakhwada activities by volunteering and spreading awareness. He said Uttarakhand’s progress depends not only on government policies but also on public participation. “When citizens contribute, governance becomes more effective and meaningful,” Dhami added.

The Chief Minister also highlighted how the program connects with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of citizen-driven development. He said service to society is central to India’s cultural values and should be reflected in governance.

Dhami concluded that exhibitions like these inspire teamwork between the government and people. He assured that Uttarakhand will continue to focus on inclusive growth, social welfare, and service-oriented policies.

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