Kedarnath shrine to reopen on April 22; dates for Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri Dham also announced - check
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 15, 2026
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The sacred Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand is set to reopen its doors to devotees on April 22, marking the end of its six-month winter closure. The decision was finalized during Mahashivratri at Omkareshwar Temple, where Lord Kedarnath is worshipped annually during the winter months. The reopening date and timing were determined using traditional panchang calculations, with the temple opening at 8 am on April 22. This event is significant as it ushers in the annual Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage season, a major religious event in India.
The ceremony at Omkareshwar was marked by elaborate rituals, including the use of around nine and a half quintals of flowers, and featured participation from religious leaders, officials, and hundreds of devotees. The temple's reopening is expected to attract thousands of pilgrims, as it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in Hinduism.
Additionally, Badrinath Temple will reopen on April 23, while Gangotri and Yamunotri Temples will open earlier, on April 19, coinciding with Akshaya Tritiya. These dates signify the beginning of the annual pilgrimage season to the Char Dham shrines in the Garhwal Himalayas.
This development is significant for India's religious landscape, as it not only marks the resumption of a major spiritual journey but also highlights the cultural and economic importance of Uttarakhand's heritage sites. The reopening of these temples will bring millions of devotees to the region, boosting local tourism and reaffirming the state's position as a hub for Hindu pilgrimage.
The decision to reopen the temples is also tied to debates around access and religious identity, with some discussions surrounding whether non-Hindus should be allowed to visit. However, the
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/15/2026