The gates of Baba Kedarnath Dham are poised to reopen on Friday after a six-month hiatus. As preparations for the reopening are underway, popular tourist spots like Sonprayag and Gaurikund are witnessing large crowds, with many heading towards Kedarnath Dham. Gaurikund is bustling with pilgrims, some waiting to book rides on horses or mules, while others are trekking towards the shrine.
Preparations for the ceremonial reopening of the Kedarnath Dham gates have commenced with rituals and the recitation of mantras. The temple has been adorned with 40 quintals of flowers, as stated by the president of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee.
The Panchmukhi Doli of Lord Kedarnath began its journey to Kedarnath Dham from Gauramai Temple in Gaurikund. Previously, the Devdoli had traveled from Shri Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi to Shri Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, and then to its second stop, Phata.
This year, the Char Dham Yatra will commence on May 10 with the opening of three of the four shrines–Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Kedarnath. The gates of the Badrinath Dham will open on May 12. The Char Dham Yatra is of immense spiritual significance for Hindus and typically takes place from April-May to October-November.