Kedarnath (Rudraprayag): The sacred doors of Kedarnath Dham were ceremonially opened at 8:00 AM on Wednesday at an auspicious muhurat, marking the beginning of the annual Char Dham Yatra amid elaborate Vedic rituals and devotional fervour.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the opening rituals and offered prayers at the temple, extending wishes for a safe and successful pilgrimage season.
A day before the opening, the ceremonial Panchmukhi Utsav Doli of Baba Kedar reached the temple after a 17-kilometre trek from Gaurikund, passing through key halts such as Jangalchatti, Rambara, and Lincholi. The palanquin was accorded a grand स्वागत with flower showers and devotional chants before entering the temple premises after traditional circumambulation and rituals.
The entire shrine complex remained immersed in a spiritual ambience, with rhythmic damru beats and performances by the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment band enhancing the ceremonial grandeur.
Temple authorities and senior officials, including BKTC representatives and district administration, were present to oversee arrangements and ensure smooth conduct of the rituals. The reopening follows the customary six-month winter closure, during which the deity is worshipped at Ukhimath.
With the opening of the temple doors, the Kedarnath Yatra has officially commenced, drawing a massive influx of devotees to the revered Himalayan shrine and setting the stage for the broader Char Dham pilgrimage season in Uttarakhand.
