Gangotri and Yamunotri Temples to Close for Winter with Special Ceremonies

As winter approaches, the iconic Gangotri and Yamunotri temples in Uttarakhand are set to close their doors for six months following special religious rituals. As part of Uttarakhand’s annual winter preparations, Kedarnath Dham has commenced the process of closing its temple doors for the season. According to religious customs, the temple caretakers recently removed Baba Kedar’s sacred chhatra (umbrella) from the sanctum sanctorum as part of the rituals to prepare for the winter closure. This sacred ritual signifies the beginning of the season’s final prayers.

As per Team Maverick, Traditionally the Kedarnath temple doors are closed on the festival of Bhai Dooj, which falls on November 3 this year. On this day, the doors of the temple will be sealed, marking the end of the pilgrimage season until spring. Following the closure, the festival doli (palanquin) bearing Lord Kedarnath’s idol will travel to its winter residence at Omkareshwar Temple in Unkhimath, where the deity will continue to bless devotees for the next six months.

Despite the imminent closure, Kedarnath Dham has witnessed a record number of visitors this season, with over 1.6 million devotees having made the pilgrimage to seek blessings. Each day, an average of 15,000 pilgrims arrive, demonstrating the unwavering devotion and enthusiasm of Baba Kedar’s followers.

In preparation for the temple’s seasonal closure, local authorities have intensified arrangements, ensuring that devotees can perform their final prayers in a safe and orderly manner. The administration has also coordinated with police to manage the increased flow of visitors and to provide support during the doli procession to Omkareshwar Temple.

Once closed, Kedarnath will rest under the blanket of winter snow until the pilgrimage routes reopen in the spring, allowing the temple to rejuvenate in line with the religious customs of the region. The winter sojourn at Omkareshwar Temple will continue to provide devotees with an opportunity to connect spiritually with Lord Kedarnath, offering a reminder of the deity’s presence even through the harsh winter months.