The portals of Kedarnath Dham will open on Wednesday, followed by Badrinath Dham on April 23, marking the full commencement of the Char Dham Yatra 2026 in Uttarakhand. Pilgrims from various parts of India and abroad are arriving in large numbers to embark on this revered journey. The Char Dham Yatra, a significant spiritual pilgrimage, began with the opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri after a six-month winter break.
Amid Vedic hymns and rituals, the temple doors have been opened, signaling the start of a new pilgrimage season that is expected to attract numerous devotees. The yatra guides pilgrims through four sacred shrines in the Himalayas, each offering stunning natural beauty. The pilgrimage traditionally starts at Yamunotri, then Gangotri, Kedarnath, and finally Badrinath, with authorities ensuring comprehensive arrangements for security, traffic, and healthcare services.
Facilities for sanitation, parking, and accommodation along the yatra routes have been organized, with both online and offline registration processes in place to manage the high number of devotees. Police and State Disaster Response Force teams are stationed at key points, focusing on disaster preparedness. Helplines and control rooms are active to assist pilgrims during emergencies.
The opening date of Kedarnath temple is determined by the Char Dham Temple Committee at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath on Maha Shivratri. The grand opening involves a ceremonial procession of the Kedarnath Doli from Gaurikund to the temple, covering a challenging 16-kilometre trek. The event includes Vedic rituals and the unveiling of the idol of Bhagwan Kedarnath for darshan, marking the vibrant start of the Char Dham Yatra 2026.
