Rudraprayag, April 19 -- The annual pilgrimage to Kedarnath Dham began on Sunday with the ceremonial departure of the Panchmukhi palanquin of Lord Kedarnath from its winter seat at Omkareshwar Temple.

The occasion was marked by elaborate rituals, chants, and a large gathering of devotees, signalling the beginning of the revered Char Dham Yatra.

The palanquin was dispatched in the morning following traditional Vedic rites and temple customs. Officials, priests, and devotees participated in the ceremony, including Kedarnath Rawal Bhimashankar Ling. The procession will undertake a multi-day journey before reaching the shrine, with scheduled halts along the route.

CEO of the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee and District Magistrate of Rudrapray...