Uttarkashi: On this auspicious day of Bhaiya Dooj, November 3, the doors of the revered Kedarnath and Yamunotri Dhams in Uttarakhand will close for the winter season, marking the end of another vibrant pilgrimage period. In a spiritual atmosphere filled with Vedic chants, Yamunotri Dham’s doors will close precisely at 12:05 p.m. in the sacred Abhijeet Muhurta. Earlier in the morning, at 8:30 a.m., the doors of Kedarnath Dham will be ceremoniously closed for the season, halting pilgrim access until spring.
The traditional closing ceremonies of these holy shrines signal the start of the winter migration of the deities. Baba Kedar’s Chal Utsav Vigraha Doli an intricately decorated palanquin housing the Panchmukhi (five-faced) idol will depart Kedarnath today, beginning its journey to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where it will remain for winter worship. Tonight, the Doli will reach Rampur, resting there before continuing its journey, and it will be formally enthroned at Omkareshwar Temple on November 5.
Similarly, the goddess Yamuna’s idol will be carried to her winter abode in Kharsali village, where devotees will have the opportunity for darshan over the next six months until the doors reopen. Meanwhile, the doors of Badrinath Dham will remain open until November 17, closing at 9:07 p.m. on that date, marking the last of the Char Dhams to transition into winter closure.
This season, pilgrimage numbers were historic. Kedarnath Dham alone saw an impressive influx of over 13.5 lakh devotees, with nearly 1 lakh arriving in just the last week. Pilgrims flocked to these sacred sites with fervor, seeking blessings and embracing the serene Himalayas. Badrinath, another jewel of the Char Dham pilgrimage, attracted over 11 lakh devotees throughout the year, reflecting the deep spiritual significance these shrines hold for Hindus globally.
The ritual of winter closures extends to other sacred temples in the region as well. The doors of Tungnath will close on November 4, Madmaheshwar on November 20, and Rudranath, which closed on October 17, has already transitioned to winter worship arrangements. Each year, these temples are shut down due to heavy snowfall, making access difficult and protecting the shrines until spring.
The seasonal transition is both a farewell and a promise of continuity and spiritual preservation. As these doors close, countless devotees await their reopening in the spring, ready to return to the Himalayas and renew their connection with the divine.
