The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) chairman, Hemant Dwivedi, confirmed that all preparations have been completed for the Char Dham Yatra, which will officially begin with the opening of the shrine doors from April 19.
Speaking on Friday, Dwivedi stated, “As you all are aware, from the 19th, the Char Dham Yatra will formally begin. The doors of Maa Ganga and Yamunotri will open on April 19, the day of Akshaya Tritiya.”
He added that the Kedarnath Temple will open its portals on April 22, saying, “On April 22 at 8:00 AM, the doors of Baba Kedar will open, and on April 23, 2026, the doors of Lord Badrinath will open for devotees from across the country.”
Dwivedi affirmed that all administrative levels have finalised arrangements. “At the government level, administration level, district level, and all departments associated with the pilgrimage, all preparations have been completed. Final touches are being given,” he said.
He also noted that advance teams have been deployed to key locations ahead of the shrine openings. “For the opening of Baba Kedar’s doors on the 22nd and Lord Badrinath’s doors on the 23rd, advanced teams have been sent. All maintenance work, facilities for pilgrims, and puja arrangements have been streamlined,” he added.
Addressing the devotees, Dwivedi said, “Through your channel, I would like to say to pilgrims coming from across the country–come and seek the blessings of Baba Kedar and Lord Badrinath. The government, administration, and temple committee have made complete arrangements.”
He further explained that digital methods have been introduced to manage pilgrim crowds. “The government has introduced online registration. Through registration and a token system, we will ensure smooth management. We have a complete Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in place, and our priority is the last devotee–providing simple, safe, and accessible darshan,” he said.
On April 16, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed confidence in the seamless conduct of the forthcoming Char Dham Yatra, set to commence on April 23.
After inspecting the Kedarnath Highway and other important locations to review pilgrimage arrangements, Dhami said, “The Char Dham Yatra is about to commence… I am personally conducting an on-site inspection to ensure that all preparations are complete…. We are ready in every respect to welcome pilgrims and devotees arriving here from across the entire country and the world. All necessary arrangements have been put in place. The arrangements will be excellent, and the Char Dham Yatra will be a success.”