The portal of central Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand opened this morning for the pilgrims with traditional fervour and gaiety after the winter break.

The portals were thrown open for the pilgrims amid chanting of Vedic Mantras and performance of necessary rituals. The temple has been specially decorated with flowers to mark the occasion.

Despite the chilly weather, a large number of devotees from across the country reached Kedarnath to get the first glimpse of Lord Shiva. The devotees performed special Pooja on the occasion.