Uttarkashi: The sacred portals of Shri Kedarnath Dham will be opened to devotees at 8:00 am on April 22, marking the beginning of this year’s pilgrimage season. The announcement was made on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri at the winter seat of the shrine, Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee confirmed that the date and timing for the reopening were decided after traditional rituals and consultations with religious authorities. The ceremony at Omkareshwar Temple was attended by priests and members of the temple committee, in keeping with long-standing customs associated with the Himalayan shrine.
Kedarnath, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand, remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions. During this period, the idol of Lord Kedarnath is worshipped at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, which serves as the winter abode of the deity.
With the reopening date now announced, preparations are expected to gather pace to facilitate the smooth arrival of pilgrims. Authorities typically undertake arrangements related to infrastructure, security and essential services ahead of the yatra season, given the large number of devotees who travel to the shrine each year.
The opening of the temple gates in April will formally commence the annual pilgrimage to Kedarnath, drawing thousands of devotees from across the country to the revered Himalayan temple.
