Namaste everyone,
I am planning a spiritual pilgrimage to Gangotri Temple this year, and I would like to know the exact opening and closing dates of the temple, also referred to as the “Kapat” dates. As many of you may know, Gangotri Temple is only open for a limited period each year due to its location in the Himalayas and the harsh weather conditions during winter.
The temple gates are ceremoniously opened in late April or early May (Akshaya Tritiya) and closed around Diwali time in October or November. However, these dates can vary slightly depending on the Hindu lunar calendar and local traditions. Could someone kindly confirm the tentative opening and closing dates for this year, 2023?
If anyone has visited Gangotri recently or has knowledge about how the exact dates are decided, it would be greatly appreciated. Understanding these dates is crucial for planning my trip, as I want to ensure I can visit during the temple’s active period and experience the divine blessings of Ma Ganga. Any advice or personal experiences regarding the pilgrimage would also be very helpful. Thank you in advance for your guidance!