Past records likely to be surpassed this year, says Dhami PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun The Kedarnath Dham was ceremoniously reopened to the public on Friday in accordance with religious traditions. Aoong with multitudes of devotees, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami witnessed the auspicious event and offered prayers at to Kedarnath, seeking happiness, prosperity, and peace for the State. As in past years, the first prayers at Kedarnath Dham after the reopening of the shrine were performed in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The temple doors were opened at 7 AM amidst Vedic chants while ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and the playing of devotional compositions by the regimental band of the Grenadiers echoed in the valley. The chief minister extended his wishes to the people of the country on the occasion of Kedarnath being reopened to the public. He said that not only Uttarakhand but the entire nation eagerly awaits this sacred moment. He emphasised that Kedarnath Dham stands as a timeless symbol of India’s spiritual and cultural legacy and is a place of immense reverence for followers of Sanatan Dharma. The chief minister prayed for a safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage season for all devotees. He noted that the number of people visitiung Kedarnath has been rising consistently every year, adding that a new record of footfalls will be set this year. Dhami stated that the state government has finalised all necessary arrangements to ensure a well-organised and accessible pilgrimage. He added that appropriate provisions for security and convenience have also been made. He called upon the people of Uttarakhand to welcome pilgrims from across India and abroad with a spirit of service and warmth. The CM also highlighted the devotion of Prime Minister Modi towards Baba Kedarnath. He recalled that it was under Modi’s leadership that the reconstruction of Kedarnath town began after the devastating natural disaster of 2013. Kedarnath covered in 108 quintals of blooms DEHRADUN: Kedarnath was adorned with 108 quintals of flowers on the occasion of its reopening to the public on Friday. Special prayers were also performed in accordance with religious traditions. The Panchmukhi Utsav Doli (ceremonial palanquin) of Bhagwan Kedarnath arrived at Kedarnath Dham after passing through various stops.