In an announcement made on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, officials have confirmed that the revered Kedarnath Dham shrine’s portals are set to open on May 10 at 7 in the morning. Pilgrims and devotees will embark on the annual pilgrimage to seek blessings in the lap of the Himalayas.
Key Points:
- Opening Ceremony: The portals of Kedarnath temple, situated at an elevation of nearly 3,500 meters in Rudraprayag district, will be ceremoniously opened on May 10 at 7 am.
- Devotee Anticipation: Following a record-breaking number of pilgrims last year, expectations are high for increased footfall this year. The state government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, is committed to ensuring a seamless pilgrimage experience.
- Preparations Underway: A dedicated team from the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee will assess and oversee the preparations for the yatra, aiming to provide all necessary facilities for devotees.
- Historical Significance: Kedarnath temple, nestled near the Mandakini river, holds immense spiritual importance and is part of the Char Dham shrines. The region faced extensive damage during the 2013 flash floods.
- Char Dham Schedule: The Char Dham pilgrimage season commences with the opening of Kedarnath’s portals, followed by Badrinath Dham on May 12. The shrines remain open during the summer months and close with the onset of winter.
- Safety Measures: Authorities are focused on implementing safety measures and ensuring a smooth pilgrimage experience. Last year, the Char Dham yatra witnessed over 5.6 million pilgrims, emphasizing the need for robust arrangements.
Chief Minister’s Directive:
On Thursday, Chief Minister Dhami directed officials to form a committee dedicated to preparing for the upcoming Char Dham pilgrimage season. This committee will play a crucial role in overseeing logistics, safety protocols, and the overall success of the pilgrimage.
Historical Pilgrimage Records:
The Char Dham yatra achieved an all-time high record last year, with over 5.6 million pilgrims embarking on the sacred journey. In 2022, more than 4.6 million devotees visited the four revered Himalayan shrines. However, concerns about safety arise as 245 pilgrims lost their lives during the Char Dham journey due to health ailments and other issues.
In Shorts:
- Sacred Announcement: Kedarnath Dham’s portals to open on May 10, marking the beginning of the annual pilgrimage season.
- Devotee Expectations: Following a record-breaking year, increased footfall anticipated; state government committed to providing essential facilities.
- Char Dham Schedule: Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines set to open in May, signaling the commencement of the revered Char Dham pilgrimage.
- Safety Measures: Authorities focus on implementing safety protocols for a smooth and secure pilgrimage experience.
- Historical Significance: Kedarnath temple, situated at a significant elevation, holds spiritual importance and is part of the Char Dham circuit.
