Special rituals mark the ceremonial send-off from Omkareshwar Temple as Char Dham Yatra 2025 preparations near completion.
Amid devotional fervour and vibrant ceremonies, the Panchmukhi idol of Lord Kedarnath set off for Kedarnath Dham on Monday, heralding the final countdown to the opening of the temple for Char Dham Yatra 2025.
In a deeply spiritual atmosphere, the idol was given a ceremonial send-off from the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath after a special worship ceremony. The ritual began with a traditional Panch-Snan — a fivefold ceremonial bath — followed by ornate decoration of the idol. Adorned with flowers and sacred offerings, the Panchmukhi idol was placed on a beautifully decorated palanquin (doli) to begin its revered journey.
As the doli procession advanced through Ukhimath, residents and schoolchildren lined the streets to pay their respects, showering flowers and chanting devotional hymns. The spirit of devotion was palpable, with locals participating enthusiastically to seek blessings for an auspicious Yatra season.
According to the pre-announced schedule, the idol will make its first halt at Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi on Monday night. It will then proceed to Phata on Tuesday, April 29, and reach Gaurikund on Wednesday, April 30. By Thursday, May 1, the sacred procession is expected to arrive at Kedarnath Dham by evening. The doors of the Kedarnath temple will ceremoniously open for devotees at 7:00 AM on Friday, May 2.
Dr. Harish Gaur, Media In-charge of the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), stated in a press release that all arrangements at Kedarnath Dham have been completed. “Necessary provisions for drinking water, electricity, and accommodations for priests and temple staff have been put in place to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience,” he said.
Further boosting the preparations, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that all security and logistical measures for Char Dham Yatra 2025 are ready. “All preparations for Char Dham Yatra 2025 have been done,” CM Dhami told ANI. He also shared the temple opening schedule, noting that the doors of Yamunotri and Gangotri temples will open on April 30, followed by Kedarnath Dham on May 2 and Badrinath Dham on May 4.
Chief Minister Dhami emphasized that special attention has been given to traveller safety, medical facilities, and disaster management planning along the pilgrimage routes. “We are committed to ensuring a safe, smooth, and spiritually fulfilling Char Dham Yatra for all pilgrims,” he added.
Meanwhile, the registration process for the Yatra began on Monday. To facilitate easy access, special registration counters have been established for differently-abled pilgrims, senior citizens, and foreign nationals. District Tourism Officer Shushil Nautiyal informed that twenty free registration counters have been set up at various points to ensure hassle-free registration for all visitors.
