New Delhi, April 23 -- The ceremonial opening of the Kedarnath temple on Wednesday has set the stage for the Char Dham Yatra 2026, a key religious pilgrimage that also plays a significant role in Uttarakhand's economy and seasonal activity. The shrine, considered the eleventh Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, opened at 8 am with Vedic rituals, in the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and senior temple authorities.

As per an official press release, the first prayer at the shrine was offered in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The temple premises, decorated with over 51 quintals of flowers, witnessed heavy footfall as devotees thronged the site amid chants of "Har Har Mahadev".

The opening marks the operational start of a m...