Kedarnath Dham Reopens For Yatra: Gangotri, Yamunotri, And Badrinath Also Opened

Kedarnath Dham Reopens for Yatra, alongside Gangotri and Yamunotri, also opened on Friday, May 10, 2024, on the special day of Akshay Tritiya. While doors of Badrinath Dham opened on May 12.

One of the most religious treks in India finally opened, Kedarnath Dham Reopens for Yatra. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, along with many pilgrims, attended the opening ceremony.

During the opening ceremony of Shri Kedarnath Dham, helicopters dropped flower petals on the shrine. Yamunotri temple and Gangotri temple are also open for devotees, and Badrinath Dham opened its doors at 6 a.m. on May 12.

These temples stay closed for 6 months every year and along with the other 3 Dhams, Kedarnath Dham Reopens for Yatra in summer, usually in April or May.

Often known as the Char Dham Yatra, “Char” means four, and “Dham” means religious destinations, should be done in a clockwise direction, starting from Yamunotri, then going to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and finally to Badrinath.

According to Uttarakhand Tourism’s official website, as now Kedarnath Dham Reopens for Yatra, travelling to these holy sites can be done by road or by air, with helicopter services available. Some pilgrims opt for a “Do Dham Yatra”, visiting Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Kedarnath Temple and The Legend Behind It

Kedarnath Temple, located in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is a religious trek of around 16 km. According to Hindu Mythology, it is believed that Pandavas went to worship Lord Shiva after a big war “Mahabharat”, Shiva disguised himself as a bull here, and disappeared into the ground, leaving behind a hump.

Since then, the hump is worshipped in the temple, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s presence. The temple has also survived big natural disasters and many years. It sits at 3,583 meters (11,755 feet), surrounded by tall mountains and peaceful nature. People from all over the world come here to connect with Hindu stories and spirituality.