The revered Char Dham pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand has begun its annual winter shutdown, with three of the four sacred temples officially closing their doors to devotees earlier than usual. The early closure comes as authorities anticipate severe weather conditions and heavy snowfall in the Himalayan region.
Temple Closures Timeline
The Yamunotri temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, was the first to close on November 14, followed by the Gangotri shrine honoring Goddess Ganga on November 15. The Kedarnath temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, concluded its winter rituals and closed on November 16.
Badrinath Temple Remains Accessible
While three temples have shut for the season, the Badrinath temple continues to welcome pilgrims and is scheduled to remain open until November 21. This staggered closure allows devotees to complete their Char Dham yatra while ensuring safety as winter approaches.
Early Winter Preparations
District Magistrate Dr. Mayur Dikshit confirmed that the decision to advance the closure dates was made based on weather forecasts predicting heavy snowfall and challenging conditions in the upper reaches of the Himalayas. The early shutdown aims to prevent pilgrims from getting stranded in harsh winter weather.
Traditional Winter Rituals
The closure ceremonies followed ancient traditions with special prayers and rituals. At Kedarnath, the snow-proof covering ceremony (patri) was performed by the temple committee, ensuring the sacred shrine remains protected during the harsh winter months when the region becomes inaccessible.
Impact on Pilgrimage Tourism
This year's Char Dham yatra saw record numbers of devotees, making the early closure particularly significant. The Uttarakhand government has implemented comprehensive arrangements to ensure the safe return of all pilgrims and temple staff from the high-altitude regions before the heavy snowfall begins.
The temples are expected to reopen during April-May 2024, following the traditional Akshaya Tritiya festival, marking the beginning of the next pilgrimage season.
