Temple Gates Open
The sacred portals of Kedarnath Temple, a significant Jyotirlinga dedicated to Lord Shiva, are set to welcome devotees once again on April 22, 2026, precisely
at 8:00 AM. This auspicious opening signifies the official commencement of the Char Dham Yatra for the year 2026 in Uttarakhand. The re-opening ceremony, conducted during the propitious Vrish Lagna, will allow pilgrims to offer their prayers following the temple's annual winter closure. The announcement regarding the specific date and time for Kedarnath Dham's 2026 reopening was made at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, which serves as the winter abode for the deity and is where traditional rituals are observed when the main shrine is inaccessible. This year, the responsibility of chief priest has been entrusted to T Gangadhar Ling, who will preside over the opening ceremonies and guide the religious proceedings throughout the pilgrimage season.
Winter Closure & Preparations
Following customary practices and acknowledging the severe winter conditions that render the Himalayan region impassable, Kedarnath shrine concluded its spiritual proceedings for the season on October 23 of the preceding year. This period of closure is essential to protect the temple and its surroundings from the harsh snowfall. The Uttarakhand state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, is actively engaged in undertaking comprehensive preparations to ensure the safety and convenience of all pilgrims embarking on the Char Dham Yatra, with a particular focus on Kedarnath and the other prominent shrines. The Chief Minister recently participated in a Jalabhishek ceremony at the Vankhandi Mahadev Temple, underscoring the government's commitment to meticulous planning for the upcoming yatra and emphasizing the critical need for robust arrangements to facilitate a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience for every devotee.
Char Dham Yatra Dates
The opening of Kedarnath Temple on April 22, 2026, at 8:00 AM is a pivotal moment that officially inaugurates the 2026 Char Dham Yatra. Alongside Kedarnath, the dates for the other vital shrines in this sacred circuit have also been confirmed. The Badrinath Temple is scheduled to reopen its doors on April 23, 2026, at 6:15 am, providing another significant pilgrimage opportunity. Furthermore, both the Gangotri and Yamunotri Temples are slated to commence their pilgrimage seasons on April 19, 2026. The Yamunotri Temple's reopening coincides with the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, adding to its spiritual significance. Collectively, these dates solidify the commencement of the 2026 Char Dham Yatra, a deeply revered pilgrimage undertaken by countless devotees in the picturesque Himalayan region.
