Dehradun, May 5:The Central Himalayan Hindu Shrine of Kedarnath in Uttarakhand is all set to open tomorrow, i.e., on 6th May. The portals of the shrine will open at 6.15 am with the incantation of the Vedic rituals by the priests. As per tradition, the Panchmukhi Doli of Lord Kedarnath has already reached Kedarnath. It had left Omkareshwar Temple, the winter abode of Shri Kedarnath, for Kedarnath on 2 nd May, and made several halts including at Vishwanath temple Guptkashi, Shri Gaurimai Mandir, Fata, and Gaurikund before reaching Kedarnath today.
Meanwhile, the Kedarnath shrine has been decorated with flowers to mark the occasion. All arrangements are already in place, despite the inclement weather with rains and snowfall on 4 th May. Record footfall is expected at Char Dham shrines this year as the full-fledged yatra is taking place after a two-year gap due to the Covid pandemic. Over 190,000 pilgrims have confirmed their registration till 31 st May for visiting Kedarnath. Bookings for Heli services to Kedarnath are already full till 05th June. Hotels, lodges, and other accommodations have also received good bookings. Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Shri Satpal Maharaj has expressed happiness over commencement of Char dham yatra in the state. “Kedarnath Shrine is opening tomorrow and the state is all set to welcome the pilgrims to the abode of Lord Shiva. We are all prepared to serve the best of hospitality to the pilgrims”, Maharaj said.
The Tourism Minister also took opportunity to remind of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s reverence for the Kedarnath Shrine.A total of 12,174 registrations have been done for the Kedarnath Shrine for the day of opening of the shrine. It is only after conduct of registration and verification, a pilgrim can perform the Char dham yatra. The Chardham Yatra begun with the opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines on 3 rd May. The last of four shrines, Badrinath is scheduled to open on 8th May.
