The sacred Shri Kedarnath Dham officially opened its gates to devotees at 7 AM on Friday, ushering in the annual Char Dham Yatra 2025 with a spiritual fervor that echoed across the Himalayas. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was present at the temple to welcome pilgrims, as the Indian Army band played devotional tunes and flower petals were showered from a helicopter.
The Panchmukhi Doli of Baba Kedarnath reached the holy shrine from Gaurikund on Thursday amid chants of “Jai Baba Kedar”, as thousands of devotees lined the path to catch a glimpse of the divine procession.
Devotion, Rituals, and Faith: A Sacred Start
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), CM Dhami described the yatra as one filled with “reverence, faith, and devotion.” “Today, following the ritualistic worship at Gaurikund, the Panchmukhi idol of Baba Kedarnath arrived at the sacred Shri Kedar Dham. When the Doli arrived at the temple complex, there was a mood of devotion among the devotees,” he posted.
The opening ceremony witnessed a massive turnout, with chants resounding through the Rudraprayag district, a key transit region for the Kedarnath pilgrimage.
How to Register for Kedarnath Yatra 2025
Pilgrims planning to visit the Kedarnath Temple must register online through the official Tourist Care Uttarakhand portal. Here’s how:
Step 1: Visit the official website/app and register using your credentials.
Step 2: Fill in all necessary details (name, age, ID proofs, photo, etc.).
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Step 3: Download your Yatra Registration Letter (E-pass with QR code).
Final Step: Show your registration certificate at verification points en route and at the shrine.
ID documents such as Aadhaar, PAN card, Voter ID, or Passport are mandatory.
Upcoming Reopenings: Badrinath, Madmaheshwar & Tungnath
The Badrinath Temple is scheduled to reopen on May 4, followed by the Madmaheshwar Temple (Second Kedar) on May 21, and Tungnath Temple (Third Kedar) on May 2, coinciding with Kedarnath.
These temples form part of the Char Dham Yatra, which includes the holy shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — central to the spiritual landscape of Hinduism.
With Kedarnath Temple now open, pilgrims from across India have begun arriving in large numbers. Authorities are deploying security, medical aid, and support systems to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage experience, especially given the high-altitude terrain and unpredictable mountain weather.
