Kedarnath Temple Opening & Closing Dates

Kedarnath Dham Shrine Doors Opening in 2024

After the period of six months, the Kapaat (Doors) of the Kedarnath temples open up for the pilgrims after spring to get the darshan (sight) of their deity, Lord Shiva in the form of Sadashiva. The opening of the Kedarnath temple has a grand ceremony which includes many events that hundreds of devotees attend. During the opening of the Kedarnath Dham, the abode of Shiva is brought back from Ukhimath to Kedarnath for six months starting in summer.

When does the Kedarnath Temple Open for Uttarakhand's Chardham Yatra?

The official announcement of the opening date of the Shri Kedarnath Dham temple is determined by the Char Dham Temple Committee at the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath on the occasion of Maha-Shivratri. In the year 2024, the Maha Shivratri festival falls on March 8th.

The special and grand occasion of the opening ceremony attracts pilgrims not only from India but from all around the world. A day before the opening, the Kedarnath Doli (palanquin) is moved from Gaurikund to the Kedarnath Temple in a grand procession. People carrying the doli have to cover a 16-kilometre on-foot trek to reach Kedarnath from Gaurikund. The day's grand and elaborate opening ceremony begins with the priest performing various ancient Vedic rituals. The idol of Bhagwan Kedar Nath is unveiled for the darshans to pilgrims.

When does the Kedarnath Temple shrine in Uttarakhand, Himalayas, close?

The date for the closing of Kedarnath Dham Temple is announced on Vijay Dashmi or Dussehra. Usually, the closing is held on the date of the Bhai Dooj, a festival celebrated after two days of Diwali in October/November.

The closing ceremony of Kedarnath temple is as momentous as the opening event. The culmination unfolds with a magnificent procession that includes Garhwal bands playing, as the procession of "Kedarnath Doli" escorts Lord Shiva to his winter residence at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. For next six months, the Kapaat (Door) of Kedarnath temple stays closed meanwhile Kedarnath Baba is worshipped in Omkareshwar temple.

Both the Kedarnath temple Yatra's opening & closing lasts for six months of interval. Thus, the doors to the temple are closed for the winter months in October/November. The Closing ceremony, six months after the opening, is also a significant event for the devotees.