Latest news with #BadrinathKedarnathTempleCommittee
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Seven killed in helicopter crash near Gaurikund in Kedarnath
New Delhi: Seven persons, including a pilot, were killed after a helicopter carrying pilgrims from Kedarnath to Guptkashi helipad crashed near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand at around 5.20 am on Sunday. This is the fifth helicopter accident on the Chardham Yatra route since the pilgrimage started on April 30. The deceased have been identified as Captain Rajvir Singh Chauhan (39), who was the pilot and a resident of Jaipur; Vikram Rawat, a representative of Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee and a native of Ukhimath (Uttarakhand); Vinod Devi (66) from UP; Tushti Singh (19) from UP; Rajkumar Jaiswal (49) from Maharashtra; Rajkumar's daughter Shradha Jaiswal (Maharashtra) and Kashi (2). According to the State Disaster Response Force, rough weather is said to be a possible reason for the crash. Soon after receiving the information, teams of SDRF, NDRF and the local police reached the dense forest and started the rescue operation. The teams recovered all the seven bodies. According to the PIB , an Aryan Aviation Bell 407 helicopter was carrying the pilgrims. Preliminary indications suggest that the probable cause may be the "Controlled Flight Into the Terrain", with the helicopter reportedly airborne despite poor visibility and extensive clouding in the valley entry area. "The exact cause will be determined after a detailed investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau," the release said. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a high-level meeting attended by top officials of the state government, including the secretary, civil aviation department. The state government has decided to suspend the operation of Aryan Aviation with immediate effect. As a safety precaution, all charter and shuttle helicopter operations in the region have been suspended on June 15 and 16. Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Authority (UCADA) has been directed to hold a comprehensive review with all operators and pilots before any resumption of services, to ensure full alignment with safety protocols. UCADA will also establish a dedicated Command-and-Control room centre to monitor real-time operations and ensure immediate escalation of any risk indicators. Kedarnath shrine has been witnessing a sharp rise in arrival of pilgrims. Pilgrims, who avoid trekking on the Kedarnath route, prefer to go by helicopter. So, there is a high demand for helicopters operating in Kedar valley.
Mint
01-05-2025
- Mint
Doors of Kedarnath Dham set to open tomorrow, temple adorned with 13 quintals of flowers; security heightened
The sacred Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand is set to open its doors to devotees on May 2, 2025, at 7 am, marking the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra season. Preparations are in full swing, with authorities ensuring that both the spiritual ambiance and logistical arrangements are meticulously planned for the influx of pilgrims. In anticipation of the temple's opening, the Panchmukhi (five-faced) idol of Lord Kedarnath was ceremonially dispatched from the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. The idol underwent the traditional Panch-Snan (fivefold ceremonial bath) before being placed on a decorated palanquin (doli). The procession was met with reverence by locals and school children lining the streets. The temple premises have been adorned with vibrant floral arrangements and traditional decorations to welcome the deity and the devotees. The sanctum sanctorum and surrounding areas are being meticulously cleaned and embellished to enhance the spiritual experience for visitors. Kedarnath temple is decked with 13 quintals of vibrant marigold and Himalayan blooms, creating a divine and festive atmosphere for the 2025 Char Dham Yatra. A sea of pilgrims lines up in front of the Kedarnath shrine, chanting hymns and waiting patiently for darshan Given the expected surge in pilgrim numbers, security has been significantly heightened. According to the Hindustan Times, Uttarakhand Director General of Police, Deepam Seth, has overseen the deployment of additional security personnel along the yatra routes and at the temple premises. Surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras, have been installed to monitor crowd movements and ensure safety. To maintain decorum within the temple premises, authorities have imposed a ban on video recording and reels, aiming to preserve the sanctity of the rituals and prevent overcrowding due to filming activities. Security personnel are stationed near the Kedarnath temple as part of heightened arrangements for the Char Dham Yatra 2025. The Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has confirmed that all necessary arrangements, including accommodations, drinking water, and electricity, are in place for priests and temple staff. Special registration counters have been established for senior citizens, differently abled individuals, and foreign nationals to facilitate a smooth registration process. Helicopter services from Sonprayag to Kedarnath have commenced, offering an alternative for pilgrims unable to undertake the arduous trek. Each passenger is briefed on safety protocols before the flight to ensure a secure journey. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed confidence in the state's preparedness for the Char Dham Yatra. He has urged local residents and businesses to extend warm hospitality to the pilgrims, embodying the spirit of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (Guest is God). As the temple gates open, thousands of devotees are expected to embark on this sacred journey, seeking blessings and spiritual solace in the serene Himalayas. First Published: 1 May 2025, 10:17 PM IST
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Time of India
Panchmukhi idol departs for Kedarnath Dham; Temple doors to open on May 2
The preparations for the opening of Kedarnath Temple for Char Dham Yatra 2025 are in full swing. As part of the rituals leading up to the event, the Panchmukhi (five-faced) idol of Lord Kedarnath was ceremonially sent off to the shrine on Monday. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack India stares at a 'water bomb' threat as it freezes Indus Treaty India readies short, mid & long-term Indus River plans Shehbaz Sharif calls India's stand "worn-out narrative" Before embarking on the journey, a special worship ceremony was held at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, Uttarakhand. The Panchmukhi idol, after undergoing a traditional Panch-Snan (fivefold ceremonial bath) and decoration, was placed on a decorated palanquin (doli). School children and residents lined the streets to welcome the doli with devotion. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Articles Vally Undo The idol will rest tonight at its first stop-Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi. According to the schedule, the doli will proceed to Phata on Tuesday, April 29. It will then move to Gaurikund on Wednesday, April 30. On Thursday, May 1, it is expected to reach Kedarnath Dham by evening. Live Events The Kedarnath temple doors will open for devotees at 7:00 AM on Friday, May 2. Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) media in-charge, Dr. Harish Gaur, said in a press release that preparations at Kedarnath Dham are complete. Arrangements have been made for drinking water, electricity, and accommodations for priests and temple staff. Additionally, with the registration process for the Char Dham Yatra commencing on Monday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is confident that all preparations are in place to conduct a successful Yatra. "All preparations for Char Dham Yatra 2025 have been done," CM Dhami told ANI, adding, "Yamunotri and Gangotri doors will open on April 30; Kedarnath Dham on May 2; whereas Badrinath Dham will open on May 4."Dhami further informed that all security arrangements related to travel and accommodation have been completed. Char Dham Yatra 2025 registration also began on Monday, with special registration counters set up for the specially-abled, senior citizens, and foreign nationals. Whereas, 20 free registration counters have been installed as well, District Tourism Officer, Shushil Nautiyal, said.
