The portals of the Kedarnath shrine were reopened to the public amidst snow-covered Himalayan peaks on Sunday. According to unofficial estimates, about 300 to 400 persons were present at the time of the Kedarnath temple in Rudraprayag district being reopened to the public. The portals of the Badrinath shrine in Chamoli district will be reopened to the public on Monday following which the Char Dham Yatra would begin in its entirety.
Earlier, the devotees carrying the palanquin with the idol of the presiding deity of Kedarnath departed from Gaurikund on Saturday and passed through Ghinurpani, Rambada and linchauli before reaching Kedarnath. With snowfall being experienced in the near past, the shrine is still surrounded by snow clad peaks and slopes. Parts of the route to Kedarnath were cut through the snow. The chief priest of Kedarnath, Bhima Shankar ling, opened the portals of the shrine to the public amid Vedic chanting and rituals. It will be recalled here that Kedarnath bore the brunt of the disaster which hit the State last year in June, killing hundreds of pilgrims and locals. The route to Kedarnath had also been destroyed at various places. The authorities have succeeded in restoring the route to Kedarnath though the length of this route, covered on foot or mule, is now said to have increased from 14 kms to about 16 kms. Shelters have been put up along the route while pre fabricated structures, police and medical facilities have been put up about one kilometre from the shrine. Though the Government did succeed in facilitating the resumption of the pilgrimage to Kedarnath, the condition of the route and various facilities is reportedly still not as desired. The authorities have started mandatory registration of those undertaking the Char Dham Yatra. About 2,533 persons have registered so far, sources said.