When Do the Portals of Kedarnath Dham Close for Winter?
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Synopsis
What happens when the sacred portals of Kedarnath Dham close for winter? Discover the rituals, the emotional farewells, and the devotion that fills the air as Baba Kedar's 'doli' embarks on its journey to Ukhimath. Join us as we explore this spiritual journey and the significance of the Char Dham Yatra.
Key Takeaways
- Kedarnath Dham portals closed on October 23, 2025.
- Baba Kedar's 'doli' departs for Ukhimath.
- Special arrangements for 'darshan' were made for devotees.
- Over 4.5 million devotees visited this year.
- Badrinath Dham will close on November 25.
Kedarnath, Oct 23 (NationPress) The hallowed portals of Shri Kedarnath Dham were officially closed on Thursday morning, with Baba Kedar's esteemed 'doli' (palanquin) departing for its winter residence at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. This was accompanied by devotional chants and the melodious tunes of the Garhwal Rifles band.
With this, three out of the four shrines of the Char Dham Yatra have now closed for the winter season. Following the closure of Gangotri Dham on Wednesday, Kedarnath and Yamunotri Dham followed suit on Thursday.
The portals of Badrinath Dham are set to close on November 25, marking the official end of the Char Dham Yatra 2025.
According to the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee, special provisions were arranged for devotees to have 'darshan' of Baba Kedar throughout the night.
Devotees had access from midnight until 4 a.m., after which Baba Kedar's 'Samadhi Puja' was conducted from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. During this ritual, the self-manifested Shivalinga of the deity was ceremoniously adorned with sacred ashes, grains, fruits, flowers, Rudraksha, and a white cloth, as per tradition. The inner sanctum was sealed at 6 a.m., and the main eastern gate was securely closed at precisely 8:30 a.m.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also prayed at the holy shrine prior to the closing ceremony.
As per the itinerary, Baba Kedar's 'doli', carrying the five-headed idol, will make its first overnight stop at Rampur before arriving in Guptkashi on October 24.
On October 25, the 'doli' will reach the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where worship will persist for the next six months until the portals reopen next year.
The Char Dham Yatra continues with great enthusiasm until Badrinath Dham closes. Since April 30 this year, over 4.5 million devotees have visited the Char Dham shrines.
Point of View
The closure of Kedarnath Dham's portals marks a significant moment in India's spiritual calendar. It reflects not only the deep-rooted traditions of the Char Dham Yatra but also the enduring faith of millions of devotees who visit these sacred sites. As we witness the transition to winter, it is essential to appreciate the cultural heritage and spiritual significance that these rituals hold for devotees across the nation.
NationPress
23/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the portals of Kedarnath Dham close?
The portals of Kedarnath Dham officially closed on October 23, 2025.
What happens to Baba Kedar's 'doli' during winter?
Baba Kedar's 'doli' travels to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where worship continues for six months until the portals reopen.
How many devotees visited the Char Dham shrines this year?
Since April 30, over 4.5 million devotees have visited the Char Dham shrines.
What rituals take place during the closing ceremony?
During the closing ceremony, Baba Kedar's 'Samadhi Puja' is performed, and the inner sanctum is sealed according to tradition.
What is the significance of the Char Dham Yatra?
The Char Dham Yatra is a pilgrimage that holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for millions of Hindus, representing a journey of faith.
