Uttarakhand News: Kedarnath Temple to Reopen on May 2; Preparations Underway

The sacred Kedarnath Temple will reopen for devotees at 7:00 am on May 2 (Friday), as announced by Vijay Prasad Thapliyal, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee. With this announcement, the opening dates for all four revered sites in the Garhwal Himalayas—collectively known as Chhota Char Dham—have been finalized.

Badrinath Dham is set to open on May 4 (Sunday), while Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams will open on April 30 (Wednesday) on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.

Rituals and Religious Significance

The date and time for the Kedarnath Temple's opening were determined on Mahashivratri by religious scholars and Vedpathis after prayers at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, the winter abode of Baba Kedar. The event was attended by Kedarnath's chief priest, Rawal Bhimshankar Ling, Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal, temple officials, and hundreds of devotees. The Omkareshwar Temple was adorned with flowers for the occasion.

The ceremonial worship of Lord Bhairavnath is scheduled for April 27. On April 28, the Panch Mukhi Doli of Baba Kedar will depart from Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath, and begin its journey toward Kedarnath Dham.

State Government Ensures Smooth Pilgrimage

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assured that preparations for the Kedarnath pilgrimage are well underway. Speaking to the media, he emphasized that the administration has reviewed last year’s pilgrimage experiences to enhance arrangements.

"The number of devotees is increasing each year. Keeping this in mind, all necessary arrangements are being made at the government, administrative, and district levels. Work will be carried out at a fast pace to ensure a smooth and successful pilgrimage," CM Dhami stated.

With religious rituals in place and government efforts focused on infrastructure and logistics, the upcoming Char Dham Yatra is expected to witness a well-organized and spiritually enriching experience for pilgrims.