By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
The portals of Gangotri temple will reopen on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on April 19 at 12.15 PM, a temple committee official said on Thursday.
Dharmanand Semwal, President of the Gangotri Temple Committee said the Bhog Murti (ceremonial idol) of Goddess Ganga will depart from her winter abode in Mukhwa for Gangotri Dham on April 18. After a night halt at Bhairav Ghati, the palanquin carrying the Goddess idol will reach the temple at 7:00 AM on April 19. Following traditional rituals and rites, the portals will be opened for a period of six months at 12.15 PM on the same day.
Yamunotri temple will also reopen on April 19. The reopening of the two temples will also kickstart the Chardham yatra which is considered to be backbone of the Garhwal’s economy.