HT Digital
UTTARAKHAND, MAY 2: In a remarkable cultural gesture, the sacred Kedarnath Temple has been decorated with a dozen traditional Assamese japis—handcrafted bamboo-and-silk hats—for its grand opening day on May 2, 2025.
These vibrant and symbolic decorations created a colourful welcome for the thousands of devotees arriving for the occasion, while simultaneously showcasing Assam’s rich cultural heritage on a national stage.
As pilgrims made their way to one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites, they were greeted by the striking presence of the adorned Assamese japis.
Blending seamlessly with the temple’s floral and artistic decorations, these traditional elements added a distinct regional touch, reflecting a unique confluence of cultures in a sacred setting.
This thoughtful artistic addition served as a powerful tribute to Assam’s craft traditions, highlighting the state’s contribution to India’s diverse cultural mosaic. Widely celebrated as a symbol of Assamese identity, the inclusion of japis was warmly received by devotees and visitors alike, who praised the initiative for enhancing the spiritual and aesthetic ambiance of the temple premises.
Situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, Kedarnath Temple holds immense significance for followers of the Shaivite sect of Hinduism. It is one of the four sacred sites on the Char Dham Yatra—a pilgrimage to four of India’s holiest destinations—drawing millions of devotees each year to its majestic Himalayan setting.