The sacred Kedarnath Temple in the Himalayas welcomed back devotees as its gates officially reopened on Friday, May 2, 2025. More than 12,000 pilgrims gathered at the revered site, perched at over 11,000 feet above sea level, to mark the auspicious beginning of the new pilgrimage season, according to officials from the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC).
The ceremonial opening took place at 7 a.m., with the temple beautifully decorated with a stunning 10,800 kilograms of flowers. The floral arrangements featured 54 different varieties, including marigolds and roses, imported from countries such as Nepal, Thailand, and Sri Lanka—adding a vibrant international touch to the ancient ritual.
Among the four temples of the Char Dham circuit, Kedarnath—dedicated to Lord Shiva and known as the 11th Jyotirlinga—continues to draw the largest influx of visitors. This year, it became the third Char Dham shrine to reopen, following Gangotri and Yamunotri, which resumed rituals on April 30. Badrinath is set to welcome devotees on May 4.
Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was present at the temple during the opening, leading the first puja after the gates were unlocked. His prayers focused on the welfare and prosperity of all citizens, reinforcing the spiritual and cultural significance of the occasion.
The temple traditionally closes during the harsh winter months due to heavy snowfall and inaccessible conditions. However, the reopening each spring draws thousands of devotees from across India and abroad, eager to seek blessings at one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Hinduism.
This season also introduces a new spiritual offering—a grand aarti at the confluence of the Mandakini and Saraswati rivers near the temple. Modeled after the famed Ganga Aarti ceremonies in Varanasi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh, this new ritual is designed to enhance the pilgrimage experience. According to BKTC CEO Vijay Thapliyal, platforms have been constructed on three sides of the river junction to allow devotees an unobstructed view of the spiritual proceedings.
With meticulous planning and vibrant celebrations, Kedarnath’s 2025 reopening signifies not only devotion and tradition but also evolving experiences for the modern pilgrim.
