Kedarnath opens for devotees; over 12,000 witness grand ceremony​

The sacred portals of Shri Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district were officially opened to pilgrims on Friday, at 7 am, situated at an altitude of over 11,000 feet in the Himalayan ranges, the temple welcomed more than 12,000 devotees who assembled to witness the significant moment. (Photo: ANI)

A day earlier, on May 1, the Panchmukhi Doli carrying the sacred idol of Lord Kedarnath arrived at the shrine after a deeply revered yatra from Gaurikund. Thousands lined the steep route chanting “Jai Baba Kedar”, with Uttarakhand CM Dhami calling the journey “a divine procession of unwavering faith.” (Photo: ANI)

The majestic stone structure of Kedarnath was enveloped in a breathtaking display of 108 quintals comprising of 54 distinct varieties, including roses and marigolds fresh flowers, sourced from Nepal, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. Floral garlands draped every corner of the temple, transforming the ancient site into a vibrant spiritual sanctuary filled with fragrance, color, and devotion. (Photo: ANI)

Inside the sanctum, chief priest Rawal Bhimashankar Ling led a detailed sequence of rituals, accompanied by vedpathis and religious leaders and CM Dhami. Offerings of ghee lamps, incense, and sacred ash sanctified the space, as the energy of devotion rose tangibly with every mantra. (Photo: ANI)

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, fulfilling a tradition of state reverence, performed the inaugural puja. In the serene pre-dawn glow, the CM offered prayers for the safety and prosperity of all pilgrims undertaking the 2025 Char Dham Yatra. (Photo: ANI)

As the gates opened, the Indian Army’s Garhwal Rifles played devotional music which filled the Kedarnath valley with devotional hymns and patriotic tunes. The music echoed against the snow-capped Himalayas, amplifying the spiritual energy as pilgrims wept with emotion and folded their hands in silent prayers. (Photo: ANI)

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister described the moment as one of “deep faith and divine connection,” and praised the seamless coordination between temple authorities and the administration. He also expressed his gratitude to the devotees, temple priests, and security forces for making the event peaceful and spiritually uplifting. (Photo: ANI)

After the rituals, Chief Minister Dhami hosted and personally served at a grand bhandara, feeding hundreds of devotees with freshly prepared prasad. This act of humility and service brought warmth to weary pilgrims, who blessed the event with chants and gratitude. (Photo: ANI)

With an estimated 22 lakh pilgrims registered to visit this season, SP Akshay Prahlad Konde confirmed deployment of specialized security and crowd control teams. Coordination between police, temple committee, and disaster relief agencies ensured the day proceeded peacefully despite the enormous turnout. (Photo: ANI)

With Kedarnath Dham now open, the Char Dham Yatra 2025 officially began, as pilgrims from across India and the world began their spiritual trek through the Himalayas. For many, this journey is not just a pilgrimage—but a promise fulfilled, a prayer answered, and a lifetime dream realized. (Photo: ANI)