New Delhi, April 19 (NationPress) The traditional 'Doli' (palanquin) carrying Lord Kedarnath was officially sent off from the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath on Sunday, signaling the start of its yearly pilgrimage to the esteemed Kedarnath Dham nestled in the Himalayas.

The Panchmukhi (five-faced) idol of Lord Kedarnath, which stays at its winter abode in Ukhimath, was paraded in a magnificent procession accompanied by Vedic hymns, devotional music, and the vibrant participation of countless devotees. The temple grounds were beautifully decorated with approximately 8 quintals of various blossoms, creating an atmosphere charged with spirituality. Devotees also hosted community meals (bhandaras) as part of the festivities.

A priest involved in the ceremonies remarked to IANS, “This is a sacred tradition of the Himalayas, maintained for centuries. The culture of Mahadev worship runs deep in this region. In three days, on April 22, the auspicious doors of Lord Shiva will swing open. The idol, in the form of a doli, has embarked on its padyatra.”

Devotees from all over the nation gathered to witness this holy departure. One attendee shared, “This is my first time participating in the doli yatra. I had always dreamed of this moment, and now I will accompany Baba’s doli all the way to Kedarnath.” Another remarked, “The enthusiasm amongst the devotees is palpable. The doli yatra commenced today with utmost devotion.”

A 67-year-old devotee, attending for the fifth time, expressed, “This is my fifth doli yatra. The experience is unparalleled. Watching it on TV or YouTube doesn’t compare to being here and feeling the energy firsthand.”

The doli is set to rest at Phata for its initial night and is scheduled to arrive at Gaurikund on Monday for another stop. It will reach Kedarnath Dham on April 21, where the idol will be enshrined in the temple's sanctum. The temple doors will be opened on April 22 at 8 am, accompanied by full Vedic rituals, marking the onset of the summer pilgrimage season.

Thousands of pilgrims from across the nation have gathered to receive blessings, underscoring the spiritual importance of this yatra.

The Indian Army, particularly a band from the Garhwal Rifles, played a significant ceremonial role during the procession, merging military tradition with profound spiritual customs.

Earlier in the day, the gates of Yamunotri Dham and Gangotri Dham were opened in celebration of Akshaya Tritiya, marking the commencement of the annual Char Dham Yatra. The ceremonial doli of Goddess Ganga departed from Mukhba village, while Goddess Yamuna’s doli started from Kharsali, amid elaborate decorations, stringent security measures, and widespread devotion.