Kedarnath: Devotees gather at Kedarnath Temple, the eleventh Jyotirlinga, during the opening ceremony of its portals, in Kedarnath on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. (Photo: IANS/X/@DmRudraprayag) PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun The State administration temporarily halted the Kedarnath pilgrimage as a precautionary measure considering the consistent rain and inclement weather conditions in the region on Sunday. The Yatra resumed in the afternoon after the weather cleared. Garhwal commissioner Anand Swaroop had ordered the temporary halting of the pilgrimage on Sunday morning. Directing officials to accord top priority to the safety of pilgrims, he said that the Yatra would resume once the weather conditions return to normal. The devotees have also been requested to check the latest weather update before starting their journey while also following the directions issued by the administration. Officials said that the administration is monitoring the situation and ensuring necessary facilities for the safety and convenience of the pilgrims. It is pertinent to mention here that various parts of the State have been witnessing light to medium rain along with thunderstorms and spells of gusty winds in some regions in recent days. With crowds thronging Kedarnath in Rudraprayag district, the authorities decided to temporarily halt the pilgrimage due to safety concerns arising from the consistent rain and inclement weather in the district. The State Meteorological Centre has also issued a weather warning for Monday forecasting the possibility of thunderstorms, gusty winds and intense spells of rain in some mountainous regions. According to official sources, with rainy weather continuing in the mountainous regions including Rudraprayag district, the authorities decided to hold pilgrims going towards Kedarnath at various stops and holding areas en route to the Dham in the morning. Those on the bridle path to Kedarnath were taken to the nearest safe locations and holding areas. Those travelling to the Kedarnath area were also stopped at the holding area in Srinagar in addition to various locations in Rudraprayag district. The pilgrims were allowed to travel ahead after the weather cleared in the afternoon. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, the Kedarnath Yatra resumed in the afternoon after being temporarily halted for a couple of hours due to rain and inclement weather conditions. Meanwhile, the officials stated that though the weather had cleared in the afternoon, it is prone to sudden changes. Considering this, all travellers have been advised to check the latest weather updates before starting their journey. In addition to carrying raincoats and warm clothing, they have also been advised to follow guidelines issued by the administration and follow instructions of police and security personnel.