Chota Char Dham Pilgrimage: Gates Open for Devotees

The opening ceremonies for the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites in the Garhwal Himalayas are set. Kedarnath will open on May 2, Badrinath on May 4, and Gangotri and Yamunotri on April 30. The dates align with religious observances, as decided by cultural leaders and religious figures.

The long-awaited schedule for the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage has been announced, with the sacred sites in the Garhwal Himalayas ready to welcome devotees. As declared by the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee CEO Vijay Prasad Thapliyal, gates will open at 7 am on May 2 for the Kedarnath temple.

The four holy sites that make up this revered pilgrimage path—Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri—now have confirmed opening dates. Badrinath Dham will be open from May 4, while both Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams will welcome pilgrims as early as April 30, aligning with the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya.

The timing for the Kedarnath temple's opening was decided during Mahashivratri ceremonies held at the Omkareshwar temple. The decisions involved religious gurus and Vedpathis, alongside local dignitaries like Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal and temple committee officials. The event saw hundreds of devout gather beneath flower-laden decorations for this spiritual occasion.