Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand was ceremonially closed for the winter season at 8:30 AM on November 11, marking the end of this year’s pilgrimage. Hemant Dwivedi, president of the Badarinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), confirmed that over 1.95 million devotees visited the Himalayan shrine during the pilgrimage season, setting a new record.

The closure ceremony featured traditional rituals, Vedic chanting, and performances by an Army band, attracting a large congregation of devotees hoping to catch a final glimpse of Lord Shiva before the shrine’s winter break.

Dwivedi described the occasion as an emotional moment and explained the significance of the rites. “Today has arrived that emotional moment, an ancient tradition where for six months, worship is offered to Nara, and for six months to Narayana. Today, on November 11th, at 8:30 AM, the doors—well, I wouldn’t call it closing the doors, rather this is the ceremony of ‘Mangalam’ for the doors. The first phase of all the rituals has been successfully completed here today,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the Kedar Sabha, Tirth Purohits, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police personnel, and district administration for their roles in ensuring a smooth pilgrimage.

The pilgrimage will now enter its second phase as Baba Kedar’s ceremonial palanquin (Doli) is transported to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, the deity’s winter residence. Dwivedi appealed to devotees who were unable to visit Kedarnath to seek blessings at the Ukhimath temple instead.

Rudraprayag District Magistrate Vishal Mishra stated that the closing rituals commenced at 4 AM with the participation of administrative officials, BKTC representatives, Tirth Purohits, and members of the Kedar Sabha. “The portals of Shri Kedarnath Dham, which opened on April 22, were closed today. More than 19.20 lakh devotees visited the shrine this year,” Mishra said.

He added that following the closure, the ceremonial Doli departed for the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where worship of Baba Kedar will continue throughout the winter. The shrine is expected to reopen next year around Akshaya Tritiya, signalling the start of the new pilgrimage season.

Source: TheNewsMill