In an effort to maintain peace and respect the spiritual environment at Kedarnath, the Kedarnath Sabha, led by President Rajkumar Tiwari, has urged pilgrims visiting for Diwali celebrations to avoid using fireworks. Tiwari made this appeal via social media, highlighting that the temple doors will close for winter on November 3, during which a large number of devotees are expected. He emphasized that preserving the sanctity of Kedarnath is a shared responsibility, requesting that visitors celebrate Diwali in harmony with the tranquil surroundings.
High Pilgrimage Turnout this year
This year, Kedarnath has already hosted over 1.47 million pilgrims, underscoring its continued popularity as a major pilgrimage destination. In comparison to 2023, overall numbers are down by approximately 128,637 due to varying conditions and visitor preferences across the four Char Dham sites, which include Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Badrinath.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
With Kedarnath located in an ecologically sensitive area, limiting pollution and fire hazards is a top priority. The appeal to avoid fireworks reflects both environmental and safety considerations, recognizing that noise and air pollution from fireworks could disrupt the sanctity of the temple and the surrounding Himalayan landscape.
Enhanced Security and Visitor Management for the Season
Local authorities and temple officials have implemented measures to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors. These include enhanced security protocols and specific guidelines for responsible tourism during the busy Diwali period.
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