Dehradun: The portals of Kedarnath shrine was thrown open to public this morning amid chanting of vedic hymns and blowing of conch shells. A large numbar of devotees from all over the country arrived here to worship at the shrine which was reopened at 07:15am.
The palanquin of the deity of Kedarnath, after starting from its winter abode Ukhimath on May 5, arrived at Kedarnath on Sunday. It was taken to the Kedarnath temple amidst rituals.
The portals of Gangotri will open at 12.30 in the afternoon while those of Yamunotri will open at 1.15 pm.
The gates of the temples are reopening today after remaining closed for 6 months during the winters, whereas, gates of the Badrinath Temple in the Chamoli district will reopen on May 11.
The shrines are closed for devotees during the winter season every year as the region, at a higher altitude, witnesses extreme cold conditions, they are reopened during the summers.
The pilgrimage that spans for a period of six months attracts lakhs devotees from country and abroad and is considered as the economic backbone of the Garhwal Himalaya region.
An official said that all arrangements have been made at the shrines to welcome the pilgrims, many of whom have already started their journey towards the shrines.
