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Key Points

The sacred portals of Kedarnath Dham will close for winter on October 23 this year. Badrinath Dham will follow with its closure on November 25 at precisely 2:56 PM. These important dates were determined during Vijayadashami ceremonies where Vedic scholars consulted ancient Panchang calculations. The announcements were made in grand religious ceremonies attended by temple officials and spiritual leaders.

Key Points: Kedarnath Dham Closes October 23 Badrinath November 25 for Winter

  • Closure dates were finalized during Vijayadashami ceremonies at Badrinath temple premises
  • Vedic scholars used Panchang calculations to determine auspicious timings
  • Schedule for traditional Panch Pujas before closure will also be finalized
  • Ceremonial turban for 2026 pilgrimage season Bhandar Seva was presented
  • Dates for other Panch Kedar temples will be decided simultaneously
2 min read

Portals of Kedarnath Dham to close on Oct 23, Badrinath Dham to close on Nov 25 for winter season

Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee announces winter closure dates for Kedarnath on Oct 23 and Badrinath on Nov 25 with ceremonial rituals.

"The portals of Badrinath Dham will be closed for the winter on November 25, at 2:56 PM this year - BKTC to ANI"

Dehradun, October 2

The portals of the Kedarnath Dham will be ceremoniously closed for the winter season on October 23 this year, the Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) said.

The Committee told ANI that the portals of Badrinath Dham will be closed for the winter on November 25, at 2:56 PM this year.

The date for the ceremonial closure of the Badrinath and the Kedarnath Dhams was decided on Vijayadashami.

A grand religious ceremony was held in the afternoon at the Badrinath temple premises to determine the closure date. During the event, the Dharmadhikari and Vedic scholars finalised the date based on Panchang calculations, in the presence of officials from the BKTC.

The Rawal of Badrinath Dham then formally announced the closure date of the temple.

The ceremonial turban (Pagdi) for Bhandar Seva for the upcoming 2026 pilgrimage season is also presented on the occasion.

As per a press release, on the same day, the schedule for the traditional Panch Pujas, which take place before the closure, will also be finalised. Additionally, the auspicious time (muhurat) for the departure of Shri Uddhav Ji and Shri Kuber Ji to Pandukeshwar, and for the Adi Guru Shankaracharya's Gaddi and Vishnu's vehicle, Shri Garud Ji, to proceed to their winter seat at the Narsingh Temple, Jyotirmath, will be decided.

On this occasion, simultaneously, at the Panch Kedar winter seat, the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath (Rudraprayag), the date for the closure of the second Kedar - Shri Madmaheshwar Ji's portals will be decided. Similarly, at Shri Markateshwar Temple, Makkumath (Rudraprayag), the date for the closure of the third Kedar - Shri Tungnath Ji's portals will also be determined.

Badrinath, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and attracts lakhs of devotees every year.

Kedarnath temple is also one of the Char Dham sites in Northern India, located on the bank of the Mandakini River at an altitude of 3584 meters above sea level.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Visited Kedarnath last year and it was a life-changing experience. The winter closure is necessary given the harsh weather conditions. Safety of pilgrims should always come first. Har Har Mahadev! ❄️
M
Michael C
Fascinating how they coordinate all the Panch Kedar closures simultaneously. The traditional methods and astronomical calculations show the depth of our cultural heritage. Would love to witness the ceremony someday.
A
Anjali F
While I respect the traditions, I wish the temple committee would provide more advance notice for working professionals who need to plan leaves. October 23 is just 3 weeks away! 😅
S
Siddharth J
The entire process from Bhandar Seva to the movement of deities to their winter seats is so beautifully organized. Our ancestors planned everything with such precision. Feeling blessed to be part of this tradition.
K
Kavya N
My parents completed Char Dham yatra this year. They said the spiritual energy at these temples is unmatched. The winter closure gives nature time to rejuvenate and the temples to undergo maintenance. Perfect balance! 🌄

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