Hindu Festival Calendar
Major Shiva-related observances and Kedarnath temple occasions. Dates follow the lunar calendar and vary by year.
| Festival | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Maha Shivratri | Feb–Mar (Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi) | The great night of Shiva; fasting, vigil and abhishek. Kedarnath’s opening date is traditionally announced on this day. |
| Kedarnath Kapat Opening | Apr–May (announced yearly) | The temple opens for the yatra season, traditionally around Akshaya Tritiya. |
| Sawan / Shravan | Jul–Aug (varies by calendar) | The holy month of Shiva; Mondays (Sawan Somwar) see special abhishek and Kanwar pilgrimages. |
| Sawan Somwar | Mondays of Shravan | The most auspicious Mondays for Shiva worship in the year. |
| Pradosh Vrat | 13th tithi, twice monthly | The twilight fast of Shiva observed on every trayodashi. |
| Guru Purnima | Jul (Ashadha Purnima) | Honouring the guru tradition — fitting for the land of Shankaracharya. |
| Kedarnath Kapat Closing | Oct–Nov (around Bhai Dooj) | The temple closes for winter; the deity moves to Ukhimath. |
| Kartik Purnima | Oct–Nov | The full moon of Kartik, sacred to Shiva; Dev Deepawali in Kashi. |
Festival dates are based on the Hindu lunar calendar and may vary slightly by tradition and regional panchang. Verify important dates with an authoritative panchang or official announcements.