QUICK TAKE | Kedarnath Closes for Winter. Seven Things to Know

1. When did Kedarnath close for winter?

The shrine closed at 8.30 am on November 11, on Bhai Dooj. The rituals began at 4 am, and devotees gathered for the season’s final darshan amid Vedic chanting and music from an Army band. The temple had opened on April 22.

2. How many pilgrims visited this season?

Rudraprayag District Magistrate Vishal Mishra put the tally at more than 19.20 lakh. Temple committee president Hemant Dwivedi gave a higher figure of 19.5 lakh.

3. Why does the shrine shut every winter?

Kedarnath sits about 3,580 metres above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas. Heavy snowfall makes the shrine difficult to reach in winter. The usual overland approach includes a 17-km trek from Gaurikund.

4. Where can devotees worship Baba Kedar now?

Winter worship takes place at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, also in Rudraprayag district. At about 1,311 metres above sea level, Ukhimath is accessible by road. Kedarnath’s priests also come down for the winter.

5. How does the idol reach Ukhimath?

It travels in a ceremonial palanquin called a doli. Under the announced schedule, the procession halts overnight at Rampur, then at the Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi, before reaching Omkareshwar Temple on November 13.

6. Why is Kedarnath significant?

The shrine is one of 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also one of Uttarakhand’s four Char Dham shrines, alongside Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Yamunotri also scheduled its winter closure for Bhai Dooj this year.

7. When is Kedarnath expected to reopen?

The shrine is expected to reopen in spring 2027, around Akshaya Tritiya. The temple committee’s formal announcement will set the exact date. Until the shrine reopens, daily worship continues at Ukhimath.