Kedarnath: The sacred Panchmukhi Doli (palanquin) of Lord Kedarnath arrived at Kedarnath Dham on May 1, marking the culmination of its spiritual journey on foot from Gaurikund.
The arrival of the doli signifies the final preparations for the opening of the temple doors, which will take place on May 2, 2025, at 7 a.m., inviting devotees from across the globe for darshan.
Char Dham yatra in full swing
The Chardham Yatra officially began with the opening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham doors on April 30, coinciding with the auspicious festival of Akshaya Tritiya. Meanwhile, the doors of Badrinath Dham are set to open on May 4, completing the spiritual circuit for this pilgrimage season. The Yatra not only holds immense religious significance but also brings vibrancy and economic upliftment to the region.
Grand decorations and final preparations
The Kedarnath temple has been adorned with a breathtaking display of 108 quintals of flowers, sourced by teams from Rishikesh and Gujarat, creating a divine and festive ambiance. The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has ensured meticulous preparations, overseen by the Chief Executive Officer Vijay Prasad Thapliyal, who has been stationed at Kedarnath since April 29 to monitor arrangements.
During a meeting held on May 1 with the temple staff and volunteers, Thapliyal provided detailed instructions to finalize preparations for the temple opening. The district administration has collaborated closely with BKTC, focusing on key areas such as security, cleanliness, traffic management, and health services to ensure a smooth experience for the influx of devotees.
Expecting lakhs of devotees from across India
Devotees from across India and abroad have already begun arriving at Kedar Valley, creating a bustling atmosphere of anticipation. Pilgrims expressed their joy at witnessing the grand arrangements. One devotee shared, “I feel truly blessed to be here. The Uttarakhand administration has made excellent arrangements, and the cleanliness is noteworthy.” Another added, “I eagerly await the opening of Baba’s doors every year, and this time, the arrangements are exceptional.”
The positive sentiments are shared by the local traders and pilgrimage priests, who are optimistic about a substantial increase in footfall this season. “The environment is filled with enthusiasm. We anticipate lakhs of devotees visiting Kedarnath in the coming months,” said a local priest.
Ensuring safety and comfort
The administration has left no stone unturned in ensuring the safety and comfort of pilgrims. Police forces, disaster relief teams, and medical staff have been deployed in and around the temple premises. Special attention has been given to maintaining cleanliness and regulating traffic flow in the area. The collaborative efforts aim to make the Yatra a smooth and spiritually enriching experience for every visitor.
