The opening date of the Kedarnath Temple is determined based on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritya and is officially declared during the Maha Shiva Ratri festival. The precise opening date is calculated by the priests at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath using the Panchang. In 2024, following these calculations, the sacred doors of the Kedarnath Temple were opened at 06:20 am on April 25th, with a special Pooja ceremony. It’s worth noting that the opening date for Kedarnath in 2024 was announced during the Mahashivratri festival.
Conversely, the closing date of the Kedarnath Temple is traditionally fixed to occur two days after the celebration of Diwali, specifically during the festival of Bhai Dooj. In 2024, as Diwali is set to be observed on November 12th, the Kedarnath Temple will close its doors on November 14th. The temple’s closure for the winter season takes place following the morning Pooja Archana. The official closing date for Kedarnath in 2024 will be announced on Vijaydashmi.
The opening of the Kedarnath Temple is a grand ceremonial event that involves a special Puja, with the Main Pujari Rawal of Kedarnath receiving blessings and performing rituals upon the Lingam after the temple’s doors are unlocked.
| Kedarnath Opening Date | 25 April 2024 at 6:20 AM (Morning) |
| Kedarnath Closing Date | 15 Nov 2024 (tentative) |
Importance of Knowing the Dates
Planning a trip to Kedarnath is not as simple as booking tickets for a vacation spot. The extreme weather conditions in the region can make accessibility challenging. Therefore, it’s crucial to know the opening and closing dates to ensure a safe and fulfilling journey.
Kedarnath Temple’s Opening and Closing Ceremonies
The Kedarnath Dham’s opening ceremony is a momentous occasion that attracts thousands of pilgrims from across the country and around the world. The opening of Kedarnath’s gates, known as Kapaat opening, is considered highly auspicious. This significant moment follows hours of worship by the Rawal and Pujaris of Kedarnath Dham. Pilgrims are allowed to have darshan (sacred viewing) of Lord Shiva’s deity inside the temple only after the priests conduct the first opening Puja.
The closing ceremony of Kedarnath Dham is also a grand celebration, with Garhwal Bands accompanying the procession of Baba Kedar’s Doli to its winter abode at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
Kedarnath in Winters
During the winter months, starting in November, Kedarnath experiences heavy snowfall, rendering all routes inaccessible. The temple remains closed for approximately six months during this period. The sacred idol of Lord Shiva is relocated from Garhwal (Kedarkhand) to Ukhimath and is subsequently reinstalled in Kedarnath in the first week of May. It is at this time that the temple doors are opened to pilgrims, who travel from various parts of India for this holy pilgrimage. The temple closes in the Kartik month, specifically on the day of Bhai Dooj (typically in October or November) and reopens after Akshay Tritya (in April or May) each year. During the winter closure, the temple remains submerged in snow, and religious ceremonies are conducted at Ukhimath.
Kedarnath Opening Ceremony
Kedarnath Dham welcomes pilgrims with grand celebrations in the months of April and May each year. The specific opening dates are announced during the Mahashivratri festival. The opening day witnesses a significant influx of thousands of pilgrims to the Kedarnath shrine. You can watch a video of the Kedarnath opening ceremony to plan your visit to Kedarnath Dham.
FAQs
Q: Can I visit Kedarnath throughout the year?
A: No, Kedarnath is accessible to tourists only during specific months, mainly from May to October.
Q: Are there any accommodation options available in Kedarnath?
A: Yes, there are a few guesthouses and lodges available for tourists near the temple.
Q: How can I check the current opening and closing dates of Kedarnath?
A: You can check the official website of the Kedarnath Temple or contact local authorities for updates.
Q: Are there any medical facilities in Kedarnath?
A: Basic medical facilities are available in Kedarnath, but it’s advisable to carry necessary medicines and a first-aid kit.
Q: Can I visit Kedarnath without trekking?
A: There is a trekking route to Kedarnath, but you can also hire a pony or use a helicopter service for a more comfortable journey.
Also Know
Is there any transport facility to Kedarnath in March due to winter? I read that the road to Kedarnath will only reopen from April due to snow. Is it possible to walk to Gaumukh Glacier in March? Where in the Indian Himalayas is it possible to see the snow-capped Himalayan mountains in March without much difficulty? Is there a glacier in the Himalayas that is easy to reach in March?
In March, transport to Kedarnath may be limited due to winter road closures, the Kedarnath trek is full of snow you cant trek due to heavy snow. making walking to Gaumukh Glacier challenging; for snow-capped views, consider places like Kedarkantha or Dayara Bugyal in the Indian Himalayas.