A new trend has established in Kedarnath and now rain fear keeps the tourists away from the holy township. The visitors now avoid their trip in June. It appears the horrifying 16-17 June 2013 Kedarnath disaster is still fresh in the memory of the pilgrims. 

Even this year the Kedarnath pilgrimage began on a high note on 3 May. After reopening the average footfall per day was about ten to twelve thousand, which has got reduced to four-five thousand now. Heavy rainfall took place in Kedarnath in last week of May and the sudden change in weather has recorded a decline in the number of tourists.

Keshav Tiwari, a priest at Kedarnath, says, “The arrival has declined by sixty percent. Only pilgrims from remote villages, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are presently touring Kedarnath. Which indicates that the fear of 2013 disaster, linked to rainfall and June month, exit among tourists.”

This year so far 3.28 Lakh pilgrims have visited Kedarnath. Located at an altitude of 11,755 Ft above sea level in district Ruderprayag, the shrine annually attracts pilgrims from far and near. In 2013 disaster, thousand of pilgrims lost their lives and score of others got stuck in Kedarnath.

Tourism in Kedarnath is on a revival path, but it appears a major chunk of pilgrims have decided to complete their pilgrimage before the start of June month.

Kedarnath temple’s executive officer Anil Sharma says, “Yes, I feel the fear of rain persists among tourists. Earlier the summer tourism season used to sustain till the arrival of Monsoon, but now it ends early.”

Even the pre Monsoon showers now slows down tourism activity in Kedarnath. And in Monsoon the arrivals slims down further. Pre 2013 disaster the peak season used to last from 15 May to 30 June. But, now the arrival of June crates some insecurity among pilgrims.

Gaurikund’s village head Rakesh Goswami says, “Before 2013 disaster, the tourism season used to peak during the summer vacation break of schools. The school break still prevails but there are not enough tourists in Kedarnath. The tourism trend has changed in Kedarnath.”

Gaurikund is the last road head for Kedarnath, from here the 16 trek starts for the famous Hindu shrine. This time Kedarnath received a record visitors. Last Kedarnath attracted 3.09 Lakh pilgrims and this year 3.28 lakh tourists have so far visited  the holy township. But, the big increase in arrival registered last month and sharp decline this month indicates, June month’s fear factor persists.