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Kedarnath Temple to Reopen April 22, 2026; Badrinath on April 23

The official reopening date for the Shri Kedarnath Dham has been announced as April 22, 2026, at 8:00 AM. The announcement was made during a ceremony at the Shri Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath on the occasion of Mahashivratri. BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi directed officials to expedite preparations for a safe and organized Char Dham Yatra, which is seen as crucial for faith and local livelihood. The portals of Shri Badrinath Dham are scheduled to open the following day, on April 23.

Key Points: Kedarnath Temple Reopening Date Announced for April 22, 2026

  • Opening date set for April 22, 2026
  • Announcement made on Mahashivratri at Omkareshwar Temple
  • Badrinath Dham to open April 23
  • Preparations to be expedited for safe yatra
2 min read

Portals of Shri Kedarnath Dham to officially reopen for devotees from April 22

The portals of Shri Kedarnath Dham will officially reopen for devotees on April 22, 2026, with Badrinath opening a day later. Full schedule inside.

"The pilgrimage is a vital blend of faith, tradition, and livelihood. - Hemant Dwivedi, BKTC Chairman"

Rudraprayag, February 15

The portals of Shri Kedarnath Dham will officially reopen for devotees on April 22, 2026, at 8:00 AM.

On the occasion of Mahashivratri, the opening date for the Kedarnath temple gates was officially announced, based on Panchang calculations, at the Shri Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath on Sunday.

The announcement was made in the presence of several key dignitaries, including Kedarnath Rawal Bhimashankar Ling, Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal, and Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) Chairman Hemant Dwivedi.

Vice Chairman Vijay Kapruwan, CEO Vijay Prasad Thapliyal, temple committee members, religious leaders, public representatives, Vedic scholars, Panchgai Hak-Hakook holders, and administrative officials were also present.

Besides the opening date, the official schedule for the departure of Lord Kedarnath's Panchmukhi Doli toward the Dham was also decided on this occasion.

To mark the occasion, the Shri Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath was grandly decorated with approximately 9.5 quintals of flowers. Donors organised community feasts (bhandaras), and hundreds of devotees offered prayers as the atmosphere resonated with the devotional chant "Jai Shri Kedar."

Addressing the gathering, BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi extended Mahashivratri greetings to pilgrims worldwide and invited them to the Char Dham Yatra, including Shri Badrinath and Shri Kedarnath.

He directed officials to expedite preparations for the yatra, noting that the pilgrimage is a vital blend of faith, tradition, and livelihood. Emphasising the importance of the Hak-Hakook holders, he reaffirmed the committee's commitment to protecting their traditional rights.

Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the committee is coordinating with the state government to ensure a safe, organised, and convenient yatra for all devotees.

The Chairman also noted that the portals of Shri Badrinath Dham will open on April 23. With the Kedarnath date now finalised, BKTC will move into high gear to complete all pilgrimage arrangements.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see the date is set well in advance. Helps in planning travel and leave from work. The mention of protecting Hak-Hakook holders' rights is important. These traditions are what make the Char Dham yatra unique. Kudos to the committee for starting preparations early.
A
Aman W
April 22, 2026! Marking the calendar. The infrastructure development in the region over the last few years has been remarkable. Hope they focus on cleanliness and waste management too. A clean Ganga and clean Himalayas are part of the devotion. Har Har Mahadev!
S
Sarah B
Reading about the 9.5 quintals of flowers is so beautiful. The devotion and scale of everything is awe-inspiring. As someone from outside India, I hope the yatra remains accessible and safe for all pilgrims, including international visitors. It's a profound experience.
V
Vikram M
While the spiritual significance is paramount, I hope the "safe and convenient yatra" promise is taken seriously. Last time, the helicopter services were chaotic and overpriced. The committee must regulate these aspects strictly. Devotees' safety should not be compromised for profit.
K
Kavya N
Om Namah Shivaya! The Panchang-based date gives me goosebumps. Our ancient traditions guiding modern schedules. My grandmother will be so happy to hear this. We will offer prayers from our home in Chennai on that day. May Baba Kedar bless everyone.

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