Kedarnath's calendar has one date that matters more than any other: whether the temple is open at all. Sitting at 3,583 m, it is buried under snow and completely sealed for roughly five months of the year — so its festival calendar begins and ends with two ceremonies more elaborate than almost any other observance at the shrine.
Opening and Closing 2026
| Event | 2026 date | Fixed on | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening | 22 April 2026 | Maha Shivratri | Portals open to pilgrims |
| Closing | ~11 November 2026 | Bhai Dooj | Bhairav puja, doors sealed |
The Closing Ceremony — Bhairav Puja
Unlike Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, whose processional deities travel down to dedicated winter seats, Kedarnath's main Shiva lingam remains in the sealed sanctum through the winter months. Before the doors close, priests perform a special Bhairav puja, invoking Bhairav — a fierce guardian form of Shiva — to watch over the shrine through the closed season. The temple is then decorated elaborately with flowers, the doors are sealed, and priests and staff descend from the mountain for winter, many relocating to Ukhimath, the traditional winter administrative seat for Kedarnath affairs.
Badri-Kedar Utsav
Each June, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee organises an eight-day cultural festival at both Badrinath and Kedarnath — classical and folk music, dance performances by well-known artists, and spiritual discourses running alongside the regular pilgrimage. It is a cultural celebration layered onto the yatra season rather than a ritual observance of the temple itself, and it draws a mix of pilgrims and visitors specifically interested in the performances.
Shravan Somvar and Other Observances
As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Kedarnath draws heightened devotion during Shravan Somvar — the Mondays of Shravan, the monsoon month considered especially sacred for Shiva worship across India. Guru Purnima and other pan-Hindu festivals falling within the open season are also observed with elevated footfall, though none carry the same temple-specific ceremony as the opening and closing dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Kedarnath temple open and close in 2026?
Kedarnath opens 22 April 2026, its date fixed each year on Maha Shivratri, and closes around 11 November 2026 on Bhai Dooj. Both dates are provisional until the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) formally confirms them closer to the season.
What is the Kedarnath closing ceremony?
On the closing day, the temple's main deity remains in the sanctum through winter (unlike Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, whose processional idols travel to a winter seat), but a special Bhairav puja is performed first, invoking Bhairav as guardian of the shrine through the closed months. The temple doors are then sealed with elaborate floral decoration, and priests and staff descend for the winter, several relocating to Ukhimath.
What is Badri-Kedar Utsav?
An eight-day cultural festival held each June at both Badrinath and Kedarnath, organised by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, featuring classical and folk music and dance performances by renowned artists, along with spiritual discourses — a cultural celebration alongside the religious pilgrimage calendar rather than a ritual observance of the temple itself.
Where does the Kedarnath priesthood go for winter?
Many of the priests and temple staff relocate to Ukhimath, the traditional winter administrative base for Kedarnath temple affairs, where ceremonial worship connected to the shrine continues through the closed months.
What other festivals are observed at Kedarnath during the open season?
As a major Shiva shrine, Kedarnath observes the general Shaiva festival calendar with particular devotion — Shravan Somvar (the Mondays of the monsoon month of Shravan, considered especially auspicious for Shiva worship) draw heightened pilgrim numbers, alongside Guru Purnima and other pan-Hindu festivals that fall within the open season.
Retired Indian Army officer, founded Shiv Ganga Travels in 2010. Has planned Kedarnath yatras around opening week and Badri-Kedar Utsav alike. More about the team.
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