Despite adverse weather conditions, Kedarnath shrine commences operations

The Kedarnath temple in Rudraprayag district opened after winter on Tuesday. Thousands of pilgrims came to pray, despite the freezing weather and snow covering the shrine. The temple’s chief priest, Rawal Bhima Shankar Ling, opened the gates while chanting shlokas. Even the Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, came to offer prayers. A helicopter showered the pilgrims with flower petals. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Chairman, Ajendra Ajay, said that thousands of pilgrims came to pray at the temple on its first day open after winter.