Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand) [India]: The portals of Shri Kedarnath Dham will officially reopen on May 2, marking the beginning of the Char Dham Yatra 2025, the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) announced on Friday.
“This evening, the advance team of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee reached Shri Kedarnath Dham. The doors of Shri Kedarnath Dham are going to open on May 2,” a BKTC spokesperson confirmed.
As per an official release:
- Shri Badrinath Dham will reopen on May 4.
- Shri Madmaheshwar Temple (the second Kedar) will open on May 21.
- Shri Tungnath Temple (the third Kedar) will also reopen on May 2.
Earlier this week, BKTC CEO Vijay Prasad Thapliyal finalized the Madmaheshwar opening date during a meeting at Shri Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath. He was welcomed and commended by the Kedar Sabha for close coordination with Tirthpurohits (pilgrim priests).
Site Inspections Ahead of Yatra
On Tuesday, CEO Thapliyal conducted a detailed inspection of multiple sites including:
- Maa Barahi Temple, Sansari
- Masta Narayan Koti
- Shri Triyuginarayan Temple
- Gauramaata Temple
- Gaurikund
- Temple Rest House at Son Prayag
- Sanskrit College at Shonitpur (Guptkashi)
About Char Dham Yatra
The Char Dham Yatra is one of Hinduism’s most sacred pilgrimages, comprising visits to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Traditionally, devotees follow a clockwise route beginning at Yamunotri, followed by Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and concluding at Badrinath.
Pilgrims may undertake the journey by road, foot, or air (via helicopter services), with many also opting for the shorter Do Dham Yatra covering just Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Government Committed to Safety
On April 10, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reassured the public about the state’s preparations.
“The preparations for the Char Dham Yatra are underway. I chaired a review meeting and we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our pilgrims. The Char Dham Yatra is a lifeline for our state’s economy,” said CM Dhami.
With final preparations in full swing, authorities aim to ensure a smooth, safe, and spiritually fulfilling Yatra season for the lakhs of pilgrims expected to attend.