**Kedarnath Temple Opens to Devotees, More than 12,000 at Grand Ceremony**

*KEDARNATH (Uttarakhand), May 2, 2025* — The portals of Kedarnath Temple, one of Hinduism's holiest temples, were unveiled to pilgrims on Friday morning in the form of chants, age-old songs, and splendorous floral ornaments. As many as 12,000 pilgrims awaited the auspicious event despite wintry weather conditions and high-altitude terrain.

The temple, located in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of more than 11,000 feet, was consecrated at 7:00 AM by Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) priests. The ritual processions started early in the morning and were conducted in accordance with age-old traditions, with conch shells resonating in the valley and the air charged with devotion.

This year, the temple was adorned with 108 quintals of flowers belonging to 54 varieties. Among the flowers were roses, marigolds, and other tropical flowers which were not only brought from India but also from Nepal, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. The flowers transformed the temple into a stunning scene, which was admired by pilgrims as well as officials.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami wished all the devotees on this occasion and hoped for a safe and spiritually enriching Char Dham Yatra. Security has been increased and health facilities enhanced to facilitate a hassle-free pilgrimage season. Helicopter services, check-posts, and medical camps have also been established to cater to the huge number of tourists.

The pilgrims have been asked by the local administration and temple authorities to register online before coming and be attentive to weather warnings and security measures, especially since the weather in the region is unpredictable. 

The Kedarnath Temple is part of the four Char Dham pilgrimage centers and is of much religious importance. It is accessible to the faithful for approximately six months a year, closing for the winter period because of massive snowfall.

The temple opening is the start of the yatra season in Uttarakhand, which will see thousands more over the next few weeks.