Sacred Ganga Aarti Resumes at Kedarnath After 12-Year Hiatus Following 2013 Disaster

The sacred evening Ganga Aarti has resumed at the confluence of Mandakini and Saraswati rivers in Kedarnath Dham after a 12-year suspension, in a momentous spiritual revival, marking a significant milestone in the restoration of the holy shrine's religious traditions. The decision to revive this cherished religious practice came following directives from Uttarakhand Tourism Secretary Sachin Kurve, who instructed the temple committee to restart the evening aarti. Hemant Dwivedi, Chairman of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, announced that the evening aarti is now being conducted daily by temple priests with the cooperation of the Shri Kedar Sabha.

The evening prayer ceremony, which was discontinued following the catastrophic 2013 floods that devastated the region and claimed thousands of lives, recommenced on May 4, two days after the opening of the Kedarnath temple gates for the pilgrimage season in 2025. The Kedarnath disaster a decade ago, one of the most devastating natural calamities in the region's history, had brought religious activities to a standstill. The floods and landslides not only caused massive infrastructure damage but also disrupted centuries-old spiritual practices, including the revered Ganga Aarti that had been a cornerstone of evening worship at the holy site.

The resumption of the aarti represents a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders. Dr. Harish Gaur, media spokesperson for the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, confirmed that the ceremony will now be conducted daily on the banks of the Mandakini River. The initiative has received support from Kedar Sabha President Rajkumar Tiwari, General Secretary Nitin Semwal, the temple committee's Assistant Engineer Girish Devli, and Temple Officer Yuddhavir Pushpawan, among other officials. Anil Dhyani, Chief Executive Engineer of the temple committee, emphasized that the restoration was carried out under the guidance of Tourism Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Vijay Prasad Thapliyaal, reflecting the government's commitment to reviving Kedarnath's spiritual heritage.

The evening aarti, performed with traditional oil lamps and accompanied by devotional hymns, creates a celestial atmosphere as the flickering flames reflect off the sacred waters against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas. Despite challenging weather conditions during the inaugural ceremony, local pandas (priests), temple committee members, and devotees participated enthusiastically in the religious observance.

The revival of this sacred tradition serves as more than just a religious ceremony; it symbolizes the resilience of faith and the enduring spirit of devotion that characterizes India's pilgrimage heritage. For thousands of pilgrims who visit Kedarnath annually, the return of the Ganga Aarti represents hope, restoration, and spiritual renewal. The resumption of the evening aarti is expected to enhance the spiritual experience for devotees visiting one of Hinduism's most revered shrines. As part of the Char Dham Yatra, Kedarnath holds immense significance for Hindu pilgrims, and the restoration of traditional practices adds to the sanctity of their spiritual journey.