NewKerala.com

Kedarnath Opens Amid Fresh Snowfall, Pilgrims Throng Sacred Shrine

The sacred portals of the Kedarnath temple have opened for devotees, coinciding with significant fresh snowfall that has blanketed the pilgrimage town. District authorities have implemented strict security measures, including a complete ban on mobile phones and unauthorized drones within the temple premises to maintain its sanctity. Officials have appealed to the thousands of arriving pilgrims to exercise caution, avoid unsafe routes, and carry heavy woollens due to near-freezing temperatures. The opening marks the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra season, drawing record numbers of devotees to the Himalayan shrine after its six-month winter closure.

Key Points: Kedarnath Temple Opens as Snowfall Blankets Pilgrimage Site

  • Portals opened amid fresh snowfall
  • Security tightened, mobile phones banned
  • Drones prohibited, action taken
  • Pilgrims urged to carry woollens
2 min read

Kedarnath portals open today as fresh snowfall blankets Dham, pilgrims throng shrine

Kedarnath temple portals open for Char Dham Yatra amid heavy snowfall. Authorities ban phones & drones, issue safety advisories for pilgrims.

"The snowfall this time was heavy even in March and April. Our devotees are very excited to see the snow. - Vishal Mishra"

Rudraprayag, April 22

The portals of Baba Kedarnath opened on Wednesday, as thousands of pilgrims arrived at the Dham amid fresh snowfall that blanketed the entire Kedarnath township under a thick layer of snow.

Devotees were seen making their way to the shrine, with the snow-covered landscape adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the pilgrimage.

Rudraprayag District Magistrate Vishal Mishra on Wednesday said that snowfall this season has been significant even during March and April, drawing excitement among devotees.

"The snowfall this time was heavy even in March and April. Our devotees are very excited to see the snow. I appeal to everyone to be cautious and not take the routes that are not safe for your journey," Mishra told ANI.

Earlier, Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Niharika Tomar said that the administration has tightened security and management arrangements in Kedarnath Dham during the pilgrimage season.

She said that the use of mobile phones, drones, or any cameras for videography has been completely banned within the temple premises.

"In accordance with the guidelines issued this time, making any kind of reels or videography in the temple courtyard is prohibited. The use of mobile phones within our perimeter is also prohibited so that its dignity and sanctity are maintained," SP Tomar told ANI.

The official further said that a mobile counter and locker system has also been established by the temple administration.

"Along with this, flying drones without permission is also prohibited here. We have taken action against two drones that were being flown unauthorised. This will continue in the future as well. Therefore, I would request and appeal to everyone not to engage in such unauthorised activities for the sake of the security and sanctity of the Dham," SP Niharika Tomar said.

The administration has urged devotees to follow the rules and help maintain the sanctity of the temple premises.

With the Char Dham Yatra officially commenced on April 19 (Akshaya Tritiya), record numbers of pilgrims have already gathered at the base camps.

Despite the festive air, authorities have issued advisories for devotees to carry heavy woollens, as temperatures remain near freezing due to the recent snow.

As the sun rises on April 22, the echoing sound of conch shells and chants of "Kedar Baba Ki Jai" will mark the end of the six-month winter hiatus, reopening one of India's most sacred pilgrimage sites to the world.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Safety first! Please listen to the DM's appeal. The Himalayas are beautiful but unpredictable. Heavy snowfall in April is unusual, so pilgrims should carry proper woollens and stick to designated routes. Har har Mahadev!
A
Aman W
While I understand the need for rules, the complete ban on mobile phones seems a bit extreme. What if there's an emergency and someone needs to contact family? The locker system is good, but a complete ban inside the perimeter might be inconvenient for many.
S
Sarah B
The description is so beautiful. "Echoing sound of conch shells..." It sounds magical. I hope all the devotees have a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey. The administration seems well-prepared.
V
Vikram M
Good move against the drones! Last year, the constant buzzing near the temple was very disturbing during prayers. This is a place of worship, not a film set. Respect the sentiments of the devotees.
K
Kriti O
My parents are on the yatra this year. This news is reassuring. Knowing that security is tight and arrangements are in place gives us peace of mind back home. Hope the snowfall adds to their experience and doesn't cause delays.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50