On November 3, the doors of Kedarnath and Yamunotri temples were ritually closed for the winter season as part of the Anna Chellella festival and the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj. This year, a remarkable 16.5 lakh devotees visited Kedarnath, one of the revered Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
Closure of Kedarnath Temple
The Kedarnath temple doors were officially closed at 8:30 AM, following elaborate Vedic rituals attended by thousands of devotees, temple committee members, and administrative officials. After the closure, the idol of Lord Shiva was carried in a ceremonial procession to Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimat, where worship will continue for the next six months. The temple, situated at an altitude of over 11,000 feet in the Garhwal Himalayas, will remain closed due to heavy snowfall during the winter months.
The closing ceremony was a vibrant affair, with many attendees celebrating alongside the Indian Army Band. Over 18,000 pilgrims gathered to witness this significant event.
Closure of Yamunotri Temple
Similarly, the Yamunotri temple closed its doors at 12:05 PM on the same day, following its own ceremonial rituals. The idols of Yamuna Devi were also transported to their winter residence in Kharsali.
Pilgrimage Season Recap
According to Harish Gaur, the media in-charge of the Badrinath and Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), a grand ceremony was held at 4 AM before the temple doors closed. The BKTC President, Ajendra Ajay, noted that the Char Dham Yatra season attracted more than 16.5 lakh pilgrims to Kedarnath, where they participated in various pujas.
Upcoming Closure of Badrinath Dham
While Kedarnath and Yamunotri have closed for the winter, the doors of Badrinath Dham are scheduled to close on November 17 this year. The Gangotri temple had already closed on November 2, during Govardhan Puja.
As these holy sites prepare for the winter months, devotees eagerly await their reopening in the spring, when the divine doors will once again welcome pilgrims from around the world.
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