- As Kedarnath Yatra begins, Anand Mahindra reflects on a rare 1882 photo of the sacred dham.
- The post recalls a time when pilgrims reached Kedarnath only with faith, endurance and time.
- Heavy footfall marks opening days as authorities highlight smooth arrangements and registration.
The Kedarnath Yatra 2026 has begun, marking the start of another pilgrimage season to one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located high in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the temple has once again opened its doors to devotees after months of winter closure. Over the first few days alone, the shrine has witnessed heavy footfall, with thousands of pilgrims undertaking the spiritually significant journey.
Amid the yatra, Anand Mahindra has taken a moment to reflect on what the pilgrimage once looked like, sharing a rare glimpse into its past.
Also Read: Viral Video: Crocodile Crawls Into Zimbabwe Hotel, Climbs Kitchen Countertop
On April 26, the industrialist took to X (formerly Twitter) to share what is believed to be one of the earliest known photographs of Kedarnath Dham, taken in 1882. The image, he said, immediately caught his attention. In his post, Mahindra pointed out that at the time the photograph was taken, there were no roads, no railheads and no helicopters leading to the shrine.
He described Kedarnath as the “abode of Lord Shiva, cradled by the Himalayas,” adding that the yatra in those days demanded time, endurance and faith. According to Mahindra, the journey itself was central to the pilgrimage experience. While acknowledging that easier access today is a positive change that allows many more people to visit the shrine, he also posed a reflective question - whether the ability to slow down and savour the journey is something worth preserving.
Watch Anand Mahindra's full post below:
Kedarnath Yatra Sees Heavy Footfall As Season Opens
Mahindra's post comes as the Kedarnath Yatra gains momentum, with reports stating that over 1.1 lakh devotees have visited the shrine within the first three days of its opening. Temple authorities and religious leaders have credited improved infrastructure and efficient planning by the Uttarakhand government for the smooth flow of pilgrims this season.
Situated at an altitude of about 3,584 metres in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and remains one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the country. The temple is accessible for only a limited period each year due to extreme weather conditions in the region.
Also Read: Delhi's Severe Heatwave Drives Tourists To Mussoorie Over The Weekend
Registration Mandatory For Pilgrims
As with previous years, registration remains mandatory for all devotees participating in the Kedarnath Yatra. Pilgrims can complete the process online through the official Uttarakhand Tourism portal or at designated offline counters in Haridwar, Rishikesh and Sonprayag. Registration details are verified at multiple points along the route to regulate crowd movement and ensure safety.
Devotees can reach Kedarnath by undertaking the traditional trek or by using helicopter services operating from Phata, Guptkashi and Sirsi. Authorities continue to advise pilgrims to follow official guidelines, carry adequate woollens and be mindful of the region's rapidly changing weather conditions.
