'I want no season to be off-season': PM Modi pushes for tourism in Uttarakhand, flags off bike and trek rally

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that he doesn’t want to see any season as off-season in Uttarakhand, as he pushed for 'barahmasi' tourism in the state, flagging off a bike and trek rally .

Earlier during the day, PM Modi visited Uttarakhand’s Mukhwa-Harsil in Uttarkashi district and offered prayers at the Mukhimath temple, the ‘winter abode of Goddess Ganga.’


While addressing the gathering at Uttarakhand, the Prime Minister said, "The tourism sector needs to be diversified and we need to make it 'Barahmasi', 365 days. This is very important for Uttarakhand. I want no season to be off-season in Uttarakhand. Even during the off-season, tourism should be ongoing (in Uttarakhand)"


He also expressed condolences over the Uttarakhand Avalanche, where 8 people lost their lives.

The PM acknowledged the nation's unity during this difficult time, which provided immense strength to the families of the victims.

“I express my condolence over the unfortunate incident that happened in Mana a few days back and the people who lost their lives...during this difficult situation, the unity country showed, gave a lot of strength to the families of the victim," PM Modi said.


The PM arrived at the Uttarakhand’s Jolly Grant Airport, where he was received by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and other dignitaries.

Expressing his excitement at visiting the Mukhwa temple, which is famous worldwide for its spiritual significance and amazing beauty, PM Modi said, "I am very excited to visit the winter residence of the pure and pure Mother Ganga in Mukhwa. This holy place is famous all over the world for its spiritual significance and amazing beauty. Not only this, it is a unique example of our resolve of 'heritage as well as development.”

He also explored the winter tourism exhibition by local artists in Mukhwa, admiring its cultural richness and picturesque charm.


Local artists were seen performing folk dances to welcome the PM. In the video, PM Modi, dressed in a off-white Kurfa Pajama with black jacket and a Uttarakhandi hat, was seen standing in the centre and the artists performing, making a circle around him.


In addition to offering prayers, the prime minister also flagged off a trek and bike rally in Harsil.


This year, the Uttarakhand government launched a Winter Tourism programme aimed at boosting religious tourism and supporting the local economy, including homestays and businesses.


The visit comes just a day after the cabinet committee on economic affairs, chaired by PM Modi, approved two major ropeway projects for Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib, with a combined investment of over Rs 6,000 crore.

Mukhwa, located along the route to the Gangotri temple, serves as the winter seat of Goddess Ganga. Each year, the idol is relocated from Gangotri Dham to Mukhwa temple after the temple’s portals close for the winter season.

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