Sacred Gates Unveiled
The divine portals of Shri Kedarnath Dham are set to welcome devotees once again on April 22, 2026, precisely at 8:00 AM. This auspicious opening date
was formally declared on the vibrant occasion of Mahashivratri, meticulously determined through Panchang calculations, at the revered Shri Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. The ceremonial announcement was graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Kedarnath Rawal Bhimashankar Ling, local MLA Asha Nautiyal, and the Chairman of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), Hemant Dwivedi. Joining them were BKTC Vice Chairman Vijay Kapruwan, CEO Vijay Prasad Thapliyal, alongside numerous committee members, spiritual leaders, elected officials, Vedic scholars, and community representatives, all united in this significant moment. The temple premises at Ukhimath were adorned with approximately 9.5 quintals of flowers, reflecting the grandeur of the occasion. Community feasts, known as 'bhandaras', were organised by generous donors, and the air resonated with devotional chants of "Jai Shri Kedar," fostering an intensely spiritual ambiance for the hundreds of devotees gathered in prayer.
Yatra Preparations Underway
The Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has assured pilgrims of comprehensive safety measures and meticulous preparations for the upcoming Char Dham Yatra season. With the Kedarnath Temple's reopening date officially set for April 22, 2026, the BKTC is intensifying its efforts to finalise all arrangements. This pilgrimage, described by BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi as a profound blend of faith, tradition, and livelihood, is being coordinated closely with the state government. Special attention is being given to the traditional rights of the Hak-Hakook holders, whose importance was reaffirmed by the committee. The Chairman, extending Mahashivratri greetings, extended a warm invitation to devotees worldwide to embark on the spiritual journey to Shri Badrinath and Shri Kedarnath. Notably, the gates of Shri Badrinath Dham are scheduled to open a day later, on April 23, 2026, marking the commencement of the sacred Char Dham pilgrimage for the year.
