Portals of Kedarnath open, devotees not allowed due to Covid

Kedarnath, May 17: Portals of the eleventh jyotirlinga Kedarnath were opened amid chanting of vedic mantras at 0500 hrs on Monday.
The first 'puja' (worship) at the temple was performed on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking world peace.
No one was allowed to visit the temple due to coronavirus-induced lockdown. Only temple representatives, priests, officials of Chardham Devsthanam Parishad and district officials were present on the occasion.
The temple was decorated with 11 quintals flowers.
Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat has expressed happiness on the opening of temple's portals and wished for every-one's well-being.
He said that the pilgrimage to Kedarnath has been temporarily suspended due to coronavirus.
Every one should virtually worship the deity from their homes, Mr Rawat added.
Transport Minister Satpal Maharaj said corona pandemic will be eradicated and soon the Char Dham pilgrimage will begin.