Dehradun, April 22
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami witnessed this divine moment as the holy town of Baba Kedarnath resonated with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Shri Kedar.” This morning, at the auspicious hour of 8 AM, the temple doors were opened for devotees amidst Vedic recitations marking the commencement of this year’s Char Dham Yatra. The first worship was performed in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As the portals opened, the entire shrine echoed with spiritual fervor and the atmosphere was filled with devotion. The Sikh Regiment’s band added to the sanctity of the occasion with its devotional tunes, making the moment even more celestial.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep reverence on the sacred occasion of the opening of the doors of Shri Kedarnath Dham. On the occasion, the Prime Minister shared his heartfelt sentiments through a letter addressed to all devotees visiting Uttarakhand for the Yatra, and extend his best wishes and prayers for their well-being.
Highlighting the spiritual significance of the occasion, Modi noted that the journey to Kedarnath Dham and the Char Dham is a divine celebration of India’s enduring faith, unity, and rich cultural traditions. He emphasized that such pilgrimages offer a glimpse into the country’s eternal heritage and spiritual consciousness.
On this sacred occasion, Dhami offered prayers for peace, prosperity, and well-being of the state and the nation. Extending greetings to all countrymen, he said that Kedarnath is not only a central seat of faith for Sanatan Dharma followers but also a symbol of India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. He expressed confidence that this year’s Char Dham Yatra, blessed by Baba Kedar, would be historic.
Dhami emphasized that the state government has made extensive arrangements to ensure the Char Dham Yatra is safe, orderly, and convenient. He urged the people of Uttarakhand to welcome pilgrims from across India and abroad with service and hospitality. He also highlighted that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kedarnath has been magnificently rebuilt after the 2013 disaster, now attracting devotees from around the world.
The Panchmukhi festive palanquin of Lord Kedarnath had reached the shrine last evening from its winter seat at Shri Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath, passing through Guptkashi, Phata, and Gaurikund. The ritual of opening the portals began at 5 AM today. At 8 AM, Rawal Bhimashankar Ling, priest T. Gangadhar, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal, Tirtha priest Umesh Chandra Posti, along with other religious leaders and Vedic scholars, entered the sanctum sanctorum and performed worship. With invocations and prayers for universal welfare, the doors were formally opened for devotees. The temple was decorated with more than 51 quintals of flowers, and as the portals opened, petals were showered from helicopters, leaving devotees overwhelmed with emotion.
