Kedarnath Temple to Close for Winter on November 3: Here's All You Need to Know About the Timings and Rituals!

Planning a spiritual trip to Kedarnath? Well, here’s an important update for all the devotees out there. The sacred Kedarnath Temple, one of Uttarakhand's famed Char Dham shrines, is set to close its doors for the winter season on November 3, 2024. So, if you’ve been dreaming of visiting the holy site, time is ticking!

According to temple authorities, the doors (or Kapat) of Kedarnath will officially close at 8:30 AM on November 3, in line with the tradition of shutting the temple on Bhai Dooj, a day marked by the bond between siblings. Vijay Prasad Thapliyal, the head of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, confirmed this date, urging pilgrims to make their plans accordingly.

Where to Seek Blessings After November 3?

Once the Kapat close for the chilly winter months, fear not—you can still pay your respects! During this period, Lord Kedarnath's idol will be relocated to its winter home at Shri Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where devotees can continue their worship until the temple reopens in spring 2025.

What About the Other Char Dhams?

Kedarnath isn’t the only temple closing its doors. The other Char Dham shrines also follow similar rituals. Yamunotri will shut down on Bhai Dooj, Gangotri will close the day after Diwali, and the closing date for Badrinath will be announced around Dussehra.

So, if you’re hoping to catch a last glimpse of these sacred sites, now’s the time to plan your journey! Don't miss out on your opportunity to visit these stunning spiritual hubs before they are wrapped in a blanket of snow for the winter.