India reopens Kedarnath temple, one of Hinduism's holiest pilgrimage sites

The Kedarnath Dham temple in the Indian Himalayas reopened Friday with ceremonial rituals and chanting, marking the beginning of the pilgrimage season at one of Hinduism's four most sacred shrines. The temple closes seasonally due to heavy snow and harsh winter conditions at high altitude, with reopening ceremonies traditionally drawing thousands of devotees. The event reflects India's religious calendar and tourism patterns in the mountain regions of Uttarakhand state. Kedarnath has been a major pilgrimage destination for centuries, attracting Hindu devotees seeking spiritual significance.