Dehradun, October 2 (Udaipur Kiran News): The winter closure dates for the sacred Char Dham temples of Uttarakhand have been officially announced. This year, the Kedarnath Temple will close on October 23, while the Badrinath Temple will close on November 25 following traditional rituals. The Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines will close on October 22 and October 23, respectively.

The closing of the temple gates marks the beginning of the winter sojourn of the deities to their respective winter abodes, as per ancient Himalayan traditions.

Closing Dates of Char Dham Shrines

• Gangotri Dham: October 22 (Annakoot festival)

• Yamunotri Dham: October 23 (Bhai Dooj)

• Kedarnath Dham: October 23

• Badrinath Dham: November 25, at 2:56 PM

Additionally, the Madhyamaheshwar Temple (Second Kedar) will close on November 18 during Brahma Muhurat, and the Tungnath Temple (Third Kedar) on November 6.

Traditional Rituals and Winter Abodes

The Gangotri Temple Committee decided that the Gates of Maa Gangotri will close on Annakoot festival, with the goddess’s idol being taken to Mukhwa village, her winter abode for six months. Locals treat Ganga as a daughter, bidding her farewell with rituals and songs.

At Yamunotri, the temple’s closing ceremony will take place on Bhai Dooj. As per tradition, Lord Shani from Kharsali village will accompany Maa Yamuna’s palanquin to the winter seat. Kharsali houses an ancient Shani Temple, where the idol of Maa Yamuna will reside during winter.

The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) confirmed that after the closure of Kedarnath Temple, Lord Kedarnath will be worshipped at Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath, for six months.

Before the closure of Badrinath Temple, Panch Poojas will begin from November 21. Devotees consider it auspicious to participate in the grand farewell procession, which includes Uddhavji, Shankaracharya Gaddi, and Kuberji.

Spiritual and Cultural Significance

The Char Dham Yatra symbolizes the deep-rooted spiritual and cultural heritage of Uttarakhand. The annual closure of the temple gates is accompanied by Vedic rituals, chanting, and devotional processions, reflecting centuries-old Himalayan traditions.