Kedarnath Yatra 2023: Know the closing dates for the shrine this year

As the year slowly draws to a close, the cycle for this year's Kedarnath visits will also conclude. Coinciding with the expansive festive season, Kedarnath will be closing its door's for the year, come mid-November. Know the exact date for the same, in lieu of planning a winter visit to the heavenly abode.

(Kedarnath Temple | Image: X)

Kedarnath to close its doors for the year

November is upon us, bringing with it the cheer of the festival of lights, Diwali. Significant across the festive weekend, projected to take place mid-November, is also another important event of immense religious significance. Kedarnath will be concluding the pilgrimage visits for the year as winter steadily rolls in.

(Kedarnath Temple | Image: X)

The projected date for Diwali this year in November 12. Kedarnath will be officially closing its gates for the year, two days prior to the big festival. The date for the same, is set at November 14. November 14 is also the date for the much celebrated Bhai Dooj festival. The morning Pooja Archana will be conducted on the morning of November 14 post which the gates will be closed.

How is the opening date decided each year?

Marking a successful trip to Kedarnath is a long-harboured dream of many. Each year, the holy shrine opens its gates for a period of few months which is when tourists and believers alike, flock to mark the ascent to the snow-clad location to offer prayers and seek blessings. 

(Kedarnath Temple | Image: X)

This year, Kedarnath opened its gates on April 25, at 6 AM in the morning, commencing the period of pilgrimage with a morning ceremony. The date for the opening is ascertained each year in relation to the prosperous occasion of Akshay Tritiya. The official date, is announced during the Maha Shiv Ratri festival.