New Updates on Uttarakhand: Heavy Rains Force Closure of Badrinath-Rishikesh Highway Just After Char Dham Yatra Start - Just a day after the commencement of this year's Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, heavy rains have led to the closure of the Badrinath-Rishikesh highway near Sirobagadh. Passengers bound for Badrinath and Kedarnath are being halted at Srikot-Srinagar and Kaliyasod due to the situation.

Authorities are ensuring the safety and convenience of travelers amidst the ongoing closure. Srinagar Kotwal Hoshiyar Singh Pankholi mentioned, "We are closely monitoring the situation. The road remains shut due to continuous debris falling in Sirobagadh."

The opening of the Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri temples in the Garhwal Himalayas marked the beginning of the pilgrimage season on Friday, May 10, coinciding with Akshaya Tritiya.

These sacred sites, closed during the winter months, welcomed devotees once again. The portals of Gangotri opened at 12:25 pm, while those of Kedarnath and Yamunotri were unveiled at 7 am.

During the inauguration ceremony at Kedarnath, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, accompanied by his wife Geeta and Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, graced the occasion.

Expressing his sentiments, Pushkar Singh Dhami stated, "This is a momentous day we eagerly anticipate each year. I extend a warm welcome to all pilgrims and wish for the blessings of Baba Kedar upon you."

He further extended prayers for the long life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, acknowledging his significant role in the reconstruction efforts at Kedarpuri and envisioning a developed India under his leadership.

The inauguration of the Kedarnath temple was a spectacle, with a helicopter showering flowers upon devotees. The shrine was adorned with over 20 quintals of assorted flowers, drawing around 10,000 devotees to witness the auspicious occasion.

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