The Shri Kedarnath Dham will reopen to devotees on May 2, and the Shri Badrinath Dham will follow on May 4, a spokesperson for the Shri Badrinath‑Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) announced on Saturday.
“This evening, the advance team of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee reached Shri Kedarnath Dham. The doors of Shri Kedarnath Dham are set to open on May 2,” the spokesperson said.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, on April 10, reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and smooth Char Dham Yatra, emphasizing its importance to the local economy.
“The preparations for the Char Dham Yatra are underway. I also chaired a meeting to review the arrangements. We are committed to the safety and well-being of our pilgrims. The Char Dham Yatra is the backbone of our state’s economy,” he said.
In addition to Kedarnath and Badrinath, the portals of Shri Madmaheshwar Temple — the second Kedar — will open on May 21, while the third Kedar, Shri Tungnath Temple, will reopen on May 2.
Earlier this week, BKTC Chief Executive Officer Vijay Prasad Thapliyal attended a meeting at Shri Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where the date for reopening Shri Madmaheshwar Temple was finalised. He was welcomed by members of the Kedar Sabha and commended for his collaborative work with Tirthpurohits.
On Tuesday, Thapliyal conducted an on-site inspection of several key locations associated with the temple committee, including Maa Barahi Temple (Sansari), Masta Narayan Koti, Shri Triyuginarayan Temple, Gauramaata Temple, Gaurikund, the Temple Committee Rest House at Sonprayag, and the Sanskrit College at Shonitpur (Guptkashi).
The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most revered pilgrimages in Hinduism, encompassing four sacred Himalayan shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
— IANS
