The sacred portals of Kedarnath Dham will open on Wednesday, marking a key milestone in the Char Dham Yatra 2026. With Badrinath Dham scheduled to open on April 23, the annual pilgrimage in Uttarakhand will officially be in full swing.
Devotees from across India and abroad have already begun arriving in large numbers, reflecting strong enthusiasm for the revered journey. The yatra commenced earlier with the opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, following a six-month winter hiatus.
Amid Vedic chants and traditional rituals, temple doors were opened to herald a new pilgrimage season expected to attract lakhs of devotees. The Char Dham Yatra covers four holy shrines in the Himalayas—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—set against a backdrop of snow-clad peaks, rivers, and scenic mountain routes.
Traditionally, pilgrims begin at Yamunotri, proceed to Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and conclude at Badrinath, following a west-to-east sequence. Authorities have put in place extensive arrangements to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage, including enhanced security, traffic regulation, and healthcare facilities.
Sanitation, parking, and accommodation services along the routes have been improved, while both online and offline registrations are underway to manage the influx. Police forces and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed at key points, with special emphasis on disaster preparedness.
Helplines and control rooms have also been activated to assist pilgrims and handle emergencies throughout the yatra.
The opening date of Kedarnath is traditionally determined by the Char Dham Temple Committee at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, which fell on February 15 this year.
The opening ceremony is a spiritually significant event drawing devotees from across the globe. A day before the opening, the Kedarnath Doli is carried in a ceremonial procession from Gaurikund to the shrine, covering a challenging 16-kilometre trek.
The grand ceremony begins with elaborate Vedic rituals, after which devotees are allowed darshan of Bhagwan Kedarnath. With strong spiritual fervour and robust arrangements, the Char Dham Yatra 2026 has begun on a vibrant and devotional note.