Kedarnath Doors Close for Winter, Devotion Shifts to Ukhimath

Joshimath: The sacred portals of Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas were ceremoniously closed for the winter season on Thursday at 8.30 am, following special rituals.

For the next six months, Lord Kedarnath will be worshipped at his winter abode, the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, along with hundreds of devotees, priests, and officials, attended the emotional farewell. After the closure, the palanquin of Baba Kedar began its traditional journey. It will halt at Rampur for the night and will reach Guptkashi on Friday. It will arrive at Ukhimath on October 25.

CM Dhami expressed gratitude for a smooth and successful Chardham Yatra, crediting the state’s planning and infrastructure. “This year, a record 17.57 lakh pilgrims visited Kedarnath. The Yatra strengthens our spiritual identity and boosts the state’s economy,” he said.

He also inspected development works in Kedarnath and emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance facilities at all four Dhams and Manaskhand temples. The reopening of Kedarnath’s doors will be announced during Mahashivratri in 2026.

As the shrine rests under snow, devotees carry home blessings, awaiting the next spiritual sojourn to the abode of Lord Shiva.