Kedarnath Yatra 2026 Begins as Gangotri and Yamunotri Temples Open to Devotees
On the शुभ occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, the sacred portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines in Uttarakhand were ceremonially opened for devotees with Vedic chants and traditional rituals. With this, the much-awaited Char Dham Yatra 2026 has officially commenced.
As per age-old traditions, the ceremonial palanquin (doli) of Goddess Ganga reached Gangotri Dham from Bhairav Temple in Bhairav Ghati. Following special पूजा and rituals, the temple doors were opened at 12:15 PM. Similarly, the doli of Goddess Yamuna, led by Shani Dev Maharaj, arrived at Yamunotri Dham from her winter seat at Kharsali, and the temple gates were opened at 12:35 PM with proper religious ceremonies.
The first पूजा at both shrines this year was performed in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the opening ceremony at Gangotri Dham, where he offered special prayers and took a pledge for the successful conduct of the Char Dham Yatra, along with peace, prosperity, and well-being for the nation and the state.
The Chief Minister stated that the Char Dham sites are among the most revered pilgrimage destinations for devotees from across India and abroad. He emphasized that the state government has made extensive and robust arrangements to ensure a safe, smooth, and well-organized pilgrimage this year.
Priority has been given to providing essential facilities, healthcare services, and efficient traffic management along the pilgrimage routes. Special attention has also been paid to security and monitoring systems to ensure that devotees do not face any inconvenience during the journey.
He further added that the government aims to provide every pilgrim visiting Devbhoomi Uttarakhand not only with divine blessings but also a safe, comfortable, and memorable travel experience. Appealing to all devotees, he urged them to support the “Green and Clean Char Dham Yatra” initiative by maintaining cleanliness and protecting the environment.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by cabinet ministers, public representatives, administrative officials, temple committee members, and a large number of devotees.
