Dehradun: The revered Kedarnath Temple, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, will reopen its doors to devotees on April 22, marking the beginning of the annual pilgrimage season after a six-month winter closure. The announcement was made by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday.
The temple remains shut every year during winter due to extreme weather conditions, with worship continuing at its winter seat, Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
Muhurat Decided on Mahashivratri at Omkareshwar Temple
The auspicious reopening date and timing were finalised on the occasion of Mahashivratri following traditional rituals and consultations based on the Hindu panchang (calendar). Harish Gaur, Public Relations Officer of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, confirmed that the decision was taken at the Omkareshwar Temple, the winter abode of Lord Kedarnath.
According to officials, the temple gates will open at 8 am on April 22, allowing thousands of devotees to begin their pilgrimage to one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
The ceremony to determine the reopening date witnessed the presence of Kedarnath Temple’s chief priest Rawal Bhimashankar Ling, Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal, Temple Committee chairman Hemant Dwivedi, religious leaders, and a large number of devotees.
Full Char Dham Yatra 2026 Opening Dates
With Kedarnath’s reopening confirmed, the complete schedule for the Char Dham Yatra 2026 in Uttarakhand has also been announced:
- Yamunotri Temple: April 19, 2026
- Gangotri Temple: April 19, 2026
- Kedarnath Temple: April 22, 2026
- Badrinath Temple: April 23, 2026
The Char Dham Yatra, which includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, is one of Hinduism’s most significant pilgrimage circuits and attracts lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad every year.
Uttarakhand Government Begins Preparations
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that preparations for the pilgrimage are already underway. Speaking after performing Jalabhishek at Vankhandi Mahadev Temple in Chakarpur, Dhami assured that the safety and convenience of pilgrims remain the government’s top priority.
He said the administration is taking all necessary measures to ensure a smooth and secure pilgrimage season, especially as the number of devotees continues to increase annually.
Also Read: Mahashivratri 2026: Puja Schedule, And Timeless Rituals
“Our government is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every devotee visiting Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. Preparations have begun, and all arrangements will be in place before the temple opens,” the Chief Minister stated.
Pilgrimage Season Expected to See Massive Footfall
The reopening of Kedarnath Temple signals the start of a spiritually significant period for devotees of Lord Shiva. With improved infrastructure, enhanced safety measures, and better facilities in recent years, authorities expect a large turnout for the Char Dham Yatra 2026.
The pilgrimage typically continues until October-November, when the temple closes again for winter.
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