Kedarnath, Yamunotri Shrines Close For Winter After Record 27.97 Lakh Pilgrims

The Kedarnath and Yamunotri shrines in Uttarakhand closed their portals for the winter season on Wednesday, November 11, following traditional religious ceremonies and the chanting of Vedic mantras. The two prominent pilgrimage centres together welcomed more than 27.97 lakh devotees during this year's pilgrimage season.

The portals of Kedarnath Temple were closed at 8.30 am, while the Yamunotri shrine concluded its pilgrimage season at 10.28 am. According to official figures, more than 19.13 lakh pilgrims visited Kedarnath, while over 8.84 lakh devotees offered prayers at Yamunotri.

The closure ceremony at Kedarnath began at 4 am with special prayers and religious rituals performed according to traditional customs. After the portals were closed, the ceremonial palanquin carrying the deity of Lord Kedarnath was taken around the temple complex before beginning its journey towards the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, the deity's winter residence.

According to the schedule, the palanquin will halt overnight at Rampur on November 11, proceed to Guptkashi on November 12 and reach Omkareshwar Temple on November 13. Devotees can continue offering prayers to Lord Kedarnath at the temple during the six-month winter period.

Meanwhile, the ceremonial palanquin of Goddess Yamuna, accompanied by Shani Dev Maharaj, departed from Yamunotri for Kharsali, her winter abode. Villagers and pilgrims welcomed the procession with flowers and garlands when it arrived at the goddess's ancestral village. Traditional rituals and folk music marked the occasion.