Kedarnath Shrine Closes for Winter: A Spiritual Transition

The Kedarnath shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, closed its doors for the winter season on Thursday. For the next six months, worship of Lord Kedarnath will be held at his winter residence in Ukhimath.

According to the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, following special rituals, the shrine was closed to devotees at 8:30 AM. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, along with hundreds of devotees, administrative officers, and temple officials, marked the occasion. The palanquin of Lord Kedarnath will rest in Rampur before reaching its winter seat at Omkareshwar Temple on October 25.

The shrine will reopen to pilgrims in April-May, with the precise timing dictated by the festival of Mahashivratri. CM Dhami highlighted the Chardham Yatra's success due to government efforts, noting its economic significance. He reported a record turnout of 17.57 lakh devotees at Kedarnath, and 49.67 lakh across Uttarakhand's spiritual sites.