Process to open Kedarnath portals begins as Kedar Baba's 'doli' starts for shrine

Ukhimath:The process to open the portals to the Kedarnath shrine began on Friday on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya with the 'doli' (palanquin) carrying Kedar Baba leaving the Omkareshwar temple at Ukhimath in Rudraprayag district for his abode in the hills.

The palanquin is scheduled to reach Kedarnath tomorrow.Devasthanam Board media in- charge Harish Gaur said portals of Shri kedarnath Dham will open at 0500 hrs on May 17.

Chardham Yatra has been postponed amid corona pandemic, hence only portals of the temples are opening, he added.Only priests and their helpers have been allowed to visit the dhams.

Portals of Shri Yamunotri Dham were opened at 1215 hrs, while portals of the Gangotri Dham will be thrown open on May 15 and Badrinath Dham on May 18.

Rawal Bhimashankar Linga priest Bagesh Ling, Additional Chief Executive Officer of Devasthanam Board B D Singh, officer NP Jamloki, 'doli' in-charge Yaduvir Pushpwan, and administrative officials were present on the occasion.(UNI)