Kedarnath Temple to Welcome Devotees on April 22
In a significant announcement for Hindu pilgrims, the sacred portals of the Kedarnath Temple, nestled in Uttarakhand's majestic Garhwal Himalayas, will reopen to devotees on April 22 at 8 am. The auspicious date and time were formally declared on Sunday during Maha Shivratri celebrations at the temple's winter seat, the Omkareshwar Temple in Dehradun.
Traditional Rituals and Ceremonial Preparations
The decision was made following meticulous traditional rituals and precise almanac calculations, upholding centuries-old customs. For the occasion, the Omkareshwar Temple was adorned with a breathtaking floral display, utilizing nearly 10 quintals of flowers to create a divine atmosphere.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of key religious and administrative figures, including Kedarnath's chief priest (rawal) Bhimashankar Ling, Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal, and senior members of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC). The BKTC delegation was led by chairman Hemant Dwivedi, vice-chairman Vijay Kaparwan, and chief executive officer Vijay Prasad Thapliyal.
Additionally, numerous priests, representatives of the hak-hakookdhari community, and hundreds of devout followers participated in the sacred proceedings, marking a collective spiritual preparation for the upcoming pilgrimage season.
Panchmukhi Doli Procession and Detailed Schedule
Officials have also unveiled the ceremonial schedule for the Panchmukhi Doli of Lord Kedarnath. The sacred palanquin will commence its journey from the Omkareshwar Temple on April 19, proceeding to Phata. It will then halt at Gaurikund on April 20, before finally reaching the Kedarnath Temple on April 21. The temple doors will subsequently open to pilgrims the following morning.
Preparatory rituals at the winter seat, including essential worship of Bhairavnath, are scheduled to conclude by April 18, ensuring all spiritual prerequisites are met before the main reopening.
Complete Char Dham Yatra Schedule Finalized
In a coordinated announcement, the comprehensive schedule for the revered Char Dham Yatra has been finalized. The portals of the Gangotri Temple and the Yamunotri Temple will reopen on April 19, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. Meanwhile, the Badrinath Temple is set to welcome devotees on April 23.
BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi emphasized that extensive preparations are underway to ensure a safe and well-organized pilgrimage season. These efforts include rigorous inspections of offices and guest houses along the yatra route, conducted in close coordination with the Uttarakhand state government. The focus remains on enhancing infrastructure and security measures to facilitate a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience for all pilgrims.
