Mussoorie, April 19 -- The ceremonial idol (utsav doli) of Goddess Ganga departed from its winter abode in Mukhba for Gangotri Dham on Saturday. A large number of pilgrims, along with local residents and priests, gathered at Mukhba and chanted "Jai Maa Gangey" while giving an emotional send-off to the deity. The portals of Gangotri Dham are scheduled to open on Sunday, marking the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra. Sundar Singh, 40, from Jaipur, said, "It was emotional to be part of the celebrations, and we are now preparing for darshan of Maa Ganga after the portals open on Sunday." Gangotri temple committee secretary Suresh Semwal said the utsav doli will halt at Bhairav Ghati for the night before reaching Gangotri Dham on Sunday. "After the rituals and Vedic chants, the portals of the shrine will be opened for devotees," he said. Uttarkashi district magistrate Prashant Arya said the administration has put in place comprehensive arrangements for the yatra season.htc...