Kedarnath Dham Shrine to Open on May 10, Anticipating Surge in Pilgrims

The revered portals of the Kedarnath Dham shrine, nestled at an altitude of approximately 3,500 meters near the Mandakini river in Rudraprayag district, are set to open on May 10 at 7 a.m., as announced by temple officials.

The decision to inaugurate the portals coincided with the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, signifying the commencement of the pilgrimage season. Harsh Gaur, media in charge of the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), confirmed the scheduled opening.

Ajendra Ajay, head of the BKTC, expressed optimism about the forthcoming pilgrimage season, highlighting last year’s record-breaking number of visitors to the shrine. With the proactive involvement of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and concerted efforts by the state government and the temple committee, arrangements are being made to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims. A team from the temple committee will soon assess the preparations at Kedarnath before the yatra commences.

Kedarnath, an area profoundly impacted by the catastrophic 2013 flash floods, stands as a symbol of resilience and spiritual significance. The Char Dham shrines, including Kedarnath, observe a six-month closure annually, reopening during the summer months (April or May) and closing as winter approaches (October or November). This year, the portals of Badrinath Dham will be unveiled at 6 a.m. on May 12.

In preparation for the forthcoming Char Dham pilgrimage season, Chief Minister Dhami directed officials to form a committee. The Char Dham yatra witnessed a historic surge in pilgrim numbers last year, exceeding 5.6 million. However, concerns persist regarding pilgrim safety, with 245 fatalities recorded during the previous season due to health issues and other factors. The state government remains committed to enhancing safety measures and ensuring a spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience for all devotees.

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