The sacred portals of Shri Kedarnath Dham were ceremonially opened today as the Himalayan Jyotirlinga resumed its summer darshan after months of winter closure. Thousands of devotees from across India and abroad gathered at the shrine, filling the air with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere. The opening marks the official start of the Char Dham Yatra in 2026.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Kedarnath Dham for the opening ceremony, joining priests in Vedic rituals to mark the auspicious occasion. He performed special prayers, took a solemn pledge, and offered the first puja in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praying for the happiness, prosperity, and well‑being of the people of Uttarakhand. His presence underscored the state’s commitment to the spiritual identity of the region.
Chief Minister Dhami stated that Kedarnath Dham, along with the Char Dham, embodies the spiritual heart of Uttarakhand. He reaffirmed that the state government is fully focused on ensuring a safe, smooth, and well‑organised pilgrimage, with constant monitoring of travel routes, healthcare, drinking water, cleanliness, and security. Officials have been directed to maintain high standards so that no pilgrim faces avoidable inconvenience during the season.
The Chairman of the Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee, Hemant Dwivedi, urged devotees to visit and seek the blessings of Baba Kedarnath and Lord Badrinath as the world‑famous Kedarnath Temple resumes its darshan. The opening ceremony, conducted with full Vedic rites, signals the beginning of another season of faith, devotion, and spiritual renewal for lakhs of pilgrims heading into the Himalayas.
