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Sacred Palanquins Depart as Char Dham Yatra 2026 Begins in Uttarakhand

The sacred palanquins of Goddess Yamuna and Goddess Ganga have departed from Kharsali and Bhairavghati, marking the start of the Char Dham Yatra. The portals of Kedarnath Dham will be opened on April 22 following traditional Vedic rituals. The ceremonial idol of Lord Kedarnath has begun its journey from Ukhimath towards the temple, with devotees gathering along the route. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the yatra and wished pilgrims a safe journey.

Key Points: Char Dham Yatra 2026 Begins: Yamuna, Ganga Palanquins Depart

  • Sacred palanquins depart for Yamunotri & Gangotri
  • Kedarnath doors open April 22 after rituals
  • Utsav Doli of Kedarnath begins journey from Ukhimath
  • CM Dhami inaugurates Yatra in Rishikesh
2 min read

Uttarakhand: Sacred palanquins of Goddess Yamuna, Ganga depart ahead of Char Dham Yatra

The Char Dham Yatra commences in Uttarakhand with sacred palanquins departing for Yamunotri and Gangotri. Kedarnath doors open April 22.

"There is a strong sense of enthusiasm across the district - District Administration"

Uttarkashi, April 19

The sacred palanquin of Goddess Yamuna departed from Kharsali for Yamunotri Dham on Sunday morning as the Char Dham Yatra is scheduled to begin today.

The palanquin of Goddess Ganga also departed from the ancient Bhairav Temple in Bhairavghati for Gangotri Dham.

The Char Dham Yatra to Kedarnath Dham, Gangotri Dham, Yamunotri Dham, and Badrinath Dham will begin today.

The portals of Kedarnath Dham, regarded as a sacred symbol of faith and devotion, will be opened for pilgrims for the 2026 Yatra on April 22 at 8:00 am.

The opening will take place in accordance with Vedic rituals, traditional customs, and Sanatan traditions. There is a strong sense of enthusiasm across the district, and the administration is in the final stages of completing all necessary arrangements for the occasion.

Meanwhile, the ceremonial idol (Utsav Doli) of Lord Kedarnath will depart from its winter seat at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, following grand and traditional rituals. The temple premises have been beautifully decorated with flowers, and a large number of devotees have already started gathering.

According to the scheduled programme, on April 19, the Utsav Doli of Lord Kedarnath will leave Ukhimath and reach Phata. On April 20, it will proceed from Phata to Gaurikund, where it will halt for the night at the sacred Gaurimai Temple.

In the next phase of the journey, on April 21, the Doli will depart from Gaurikund in the morning and reach the temple treasury (Bhandar) at Kedarnath Dham. Religious rituals at the shrine will formally commence thereafter, culminating in the opening of the temple doors to devotees on April 22 at 8:00 am.

On Saturday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the inauguration ceremony of the Char Dham Yatra 2026, organised by the Joint Rotation Yatra Arrangement Committee in Rishikesh.

He extended his best wishes to devotees arriving for the Yatra and prayed for a safe and auspicious pilgrimage for all pilgrims.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The administration must ensure proper crowd management and facilities. Last year, there were reports of long queues and inadequate sanitation. Hope they have learned and improved. The yatra's spiritual significance is immense, but safety is paramount.
A
Arjun K
My family is planning to go for the Kedarnath opening. The detailed schedule of the Utsav Doli's journey is very helpful for devotees to plan their darshan. Feeling the excitement from here! Har Har Mahadev!
S
Sarah B
It's fascinating to read about these ancient traditions and rituals that are still followed so meticulously. The cultural and spiritual heritage of Uttarakhand is truly remarkable. Wishing everyone involved a smooth and meaningful ceremony.
V
Vikram M
The Char Dham Yatra is not just a pilgrimage; it's the heartbeat of our faith. Seeing the temples decorated with flowers and the palanquins beginning their journey gives me goosebumps. All the best to the Uttarakhand government for managing this massive event.
K
Kavya N
As a local, I request all pilgrims to please respect the environment. Don't litter the pristine mountains and rivers. Our devi and devta reside in this nature. Let's keep it clean for them. Have a pious yatra! 🌄

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