The doors of Kedarnath Dham will open at 7 AM on May 2, as announced by Vijay Prasad Thapliyal, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), on Wednesday.
With this announcement, the dates for the opening of all four sacred sites in the Garhwal Himalayas have now been finalized.
Badrinath Dham will open on May 4, while Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams will welcome devotees on April 30, coinciding with Akshaya Tritiya. Together, these four sites form the revered Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit.
The auspicious timing and date for the opening of Kedarnath temple were determined by religious scholars and Vedpathis on Mahashivratri, following prayers at the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath, which serves as the winter abode of Baba Kedar.
The decision was taken in the presence of Kedarnath temple’s chief priest Rawal Bhimshankar Ling, Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal, temple committee officials, religious leaders, and hundreds of devotees. The Omkareshwar temple was beautifully adorned with flowers for the occasion.
As per the official announcement by BKTC, the Panchmukhi Doli of Baba Kedar will begin its journey from Shri Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath to Kedarnath Dham on April 28, while Lord Bhairavnath will be worshipped on April 27.
The decision regarding Kedarnath’s opening date was taken in the presence of key figures, including Rawal Bhimashankar Ling, Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal, duty bearer Chandi Prasad Bhatt, BKTC Chief Executive Officer Vijay Prasad Thapliyal, Panchgai Committee officials, and a large gathering of devotees.
The date was finalized through the traditional Panchang calculations performed by religious leaders and Vedpathis.
Mahashivratri celebrations at Omkareshwar Temple were marked with enthusiasm, as hundreds of devotees gathered for darshan, participated in bhajan-kirtan, and distributed prasad. The temple was lavishly decorated, adding to the spiritual fervor of the occasion.
Meanwhile, large numbers of devotees arrived at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on the final day of the Maha Kumbh 2025, which coincided with Mahashivratri.
The first Amrit Snan of Paush Purnima took place on January 13, followed by sacred baths on Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 29), Basant Panchami (February 3), Maghi Purnima (February 12), and concluding with the Maha Shivaratri snan on February 26.
Mahashivratri, known as the "Great Night of Shiva," holds deep spiritual significance, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and ignorance. It is also believed to mark the divine union of Lord Shiva, the god of destruction, and Goddess Parvati, the goddess of fertility, love, and power.
According to Hindu mythology, Shiva’s wedding procession included an eclectic mix of gods, goddesses, animals, and celestial beings. The divine couple, Shiva and Shakti, represent the ultimate harmony of love and power, making Mahashivratri one of the most revered festivals across India.