IN 10 PICTURES: PM Modi's Diwali celebrations in Kedarnath, Harshil

PM said India is taking great strides forward in defence. He spoke of various measures being taken for welfare of ex-servicemen, including One Rank, One Pension. He said that Indian Armed Forces draw admiration and appreciation across the world, in UN peacekeeping operations.

Before reaching Kedarnath, he halted at Harshil in Uttarkhand to celebrate Diwali with the Jawans of Indian Armed Forces.

He reached the place at around 10 am in the morning as the temperature of the place remained freezing cold at zero degree celsius.

According to reports, PM Modi will review the five projects after concluding his visit to the shrine. These projects include widening of the approach road to Kedarnath, construction of ghats and retaining walls on rivers Mandakini and Saraswati, construction of houses for priests, and construction of a grand ‘samadhi sthal’ of Adi Sankara.

It is pertinent to note that many parts around the shrine were devastated in the 2013 flash floods.

Modi offered prayers at the holy shrine and then inspected the development works in the area.

It is pertinent to note that many parts around the shrine were devastated in the 2013 flash floods.

The purpose of the visit was to offer prayers and review the reconstruction of the shrine.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the holy Kedarnath shrine on the occasion of Diwali.

Narendra Modi visited Kedarnath for the third time as serving PM.