Overview

• The Kedarnath temple was adorned with 108 quintals of flowers, including varieties sourced from Nepal, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, creating a vibrant and devotional atmosphere.
• Over 12,000 pilgrims attended the opening ceremony, which featured Vedic hymns, devotional music by the Indian Army band, and flowers showered from a helicopter.
• Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami performed the first prayer and highlighted ongoing state efforts to ensure smooth logistics and safety for the record 22 lakh registered pilgrims.
• Helicopter shuttles operating from Sonprayag to Kedarnath provide an alternative travel option, with up to 30 flights daily for pilgrims unable to trek.
• Preparations are underway for the opening of Badrinath Dham on May 4, continuing the Char Dham Yatra cycle after Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Kedarnath.