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Kedarnath Yatra Begins: Panchmukhi Doli Departs for Sacred Shrine

The annual pilgrimage to Kedarnath Dham has officially begun with the ceremonial departure of the Panchmukhi palanquin from the Omkareshwar Temple in Rudraprayag. The palanquin will undertake a multi-day journey with scheduled halts before reaching the shrine, with the temple doors set to open for devotees on April 22. The event marks the commencement of the broader Char Dham Yatra, which includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Badrinath. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has emphasized that pilgrim safety is the administration's top priority.

Key Points: Kedarnath Yatra 2026 Begins with Doli Departure from Omkareshwar

  • Ceremonial start of Kedarnath pilgrimage
  • Panchmukhi Doli departs from Omkareshwar Temple
  • Temple doors to open on April 22
  • Part of larger Char Dham Yatra circuit
  • CM Dhami directs safety arrangements
2 min read

Kedarnath yatra begins as Panchmukhi Doli departs from Omkareshwar Temple

The annual Kedarnath pilgrimage commences as the Panchmukhi palanquin departs. Temple doors open April 22. CM Dhami oversees arrangements.

"The palanquin of Baba Kedarnath has departed from Omkareshwar Temple today... the safety of pilgrims being the top priority. - Vishal Mishra"

Rudraprayag, April 19

The annual pilgrimage to Kedarnath Dham began on Sunday with the ceremonial departure of the Panchmukhi palanquin of Lord Kedarnath from its winter seat at Omkareshwar Temple.

The occasion was marked by elaborate rituals, chants, and a large gathering of devotees, signalling the beginning of the revered Char Dham Yatra.

The palanquin was dispatched in the morning following traditional Vedic rites and temple customs. Officials, priests, and devotees participated in the ceremony, including Kedarnath Rawal Bhimashankar Ling. The procession will undertake a multi-day journey before reaching the shrine, with scheduled halts along the route.

CEO of the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee and District Magistrate of Rudraprayag, Vishal Mishra, confirmed that all preparations are in place for the yatra.

"The palanquin of Baba Kedarnath has departed from Omkareshwar Temple today. Three halts have been scheduled, and the temple doors will open on April 22. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed that all arrangements be ensured by the administration and BKTC, with the safety of pilgrims being the top priority," he told ANI.

According to the schedule, the doli will reach Phata on April 19, proceed to Gaurikund on April 20, and finally arrive at Kedarnath Dham on April 21. The temple doors will open for devotees on April 22 at 8 AM amid traditional rituals.

The commencement of the Kedarnath pilgrimage coincides with the start of the Char Dham Yatra, which also includes Yamunotri Dham, Gangotri Dham, and Badrinath Dham.

Earlier in the day, the palanquins of Goddess Yamuna and Goddess Ganga were ceremonially dispatched from Kharsali and Bhairavghati, respectively, marking the simultaneous beginning of the pilgrimage circuit.

A festive atmosphere prevails across Uttarakhand, with temples decorated and devotees gathering in large numbers. On Saturday, Chief Minister Dhami inaugurated the Char Dham Yatra 2026 in Rishikesh and extended his wishes for a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Excellent arrangements by the Uttarakhand government and BKTC. The detailed schedule for the doli's halts shows good planning. Safety of pilgrims is paramount, especially after past incidents. Hope the weather remains favourable. Planning to go in May with my parents. Har Har Mahadev!
A
Aditya G
While the spiritual significance is immense, I hope the authorities are also focusing on the environmental impact. The Char Dham region is ecologically fragile. Last year, I saw a lot of plastic waste along the route. Devotion should also mean respecting nature. Just a respectful suggestion for fellow devotees and organizers.
M
Meera T
The synchronization of all the dolis starting their journeys is so beautiful. It's not just Kedarnath, but Yamunotri and Gangotri too. Our culture and traditions are truly amazing. Feeling very emotional reading this. May everyone have a safe yatra. The festive atmosphere in Uttarakhand must be incredible right now.
V
Vikram M
Good to see the coverage. For those planning, book your helicopter and accommodation well in advance. It gets very crowded. The opening on 22nd April will be a grand event. Om Namah Shivaya!
S
Sarah B
I'm visiting India later this year and hope to witness some of this. The description of the rituals and the procession sounds incredibly powerful and rich with history. It's fascinating to see how these ancient traditions are maintained with such precision in the modern day.

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