Photo: PTI
Dehradun: On the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, the doors to the Kedarnath and Yamunotri temples in the Garhwal Himalayas were opened to pilgrims, marking the start of the Chardham Yatra. The temples had been locked over the winter.
At seven in the morning, the doors of the hallowed Himalayan temples honouring the goddess Yamunotri and the god Shiva, respectively, were opened in front of throngs of worshippers while hymns were chanted.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami along with his wife Geeta was also present as the portals of Kedarnath opened for devotees.
"It is an auspicious day for which we wait throughout the year. I welcome you all on the occasion. May you all be showered with the blessings of Baba Kedar," Dhami said addressing a gathering outside the temple after offering prayers.
About 10,000 devotees witnessed the opening of the portals of Kedarnath.
In accordance with tradition, devotional tunes were also played by a band of the Army's Grenadier Regiment.
The temple was decorated with more than 20 quintals of assorted flowers.
At the time of the opening of the doors of the shrine, flowers were also showered on pilgrims by a helicopter.
The doors of Yamunotri dham located in Uttarkashi district were also opened for the devotees at 7 am.
Thousands of devotees were present in the temple premises chanting 'Jai Maa Yamuna' as its doors opened.
The doors of Gangotri shrine will open in the afternoon and those of Badrinath on Sunday.
With PTI inputs