Kedarnath Temple closes for winter

Devotees carry the ceremonial litter (Utsav Doli) of Lord Kedarnath as the portals of the shrine decorated with flowers close for the winter season at Rudraprayag on November 11, 2026. | Photo credit: ANI

Amid chanting of Vedic hymns and traditional rituals, the portals of the Kedarnath temple were ceremoniously closed for the winter on Wednesday (November 11, 2026).

According to data shared by the Uttarakhand state government, the shrine, located at an altitude of over 11,700 feet, received more than 19 million devotees during the pilgrimage season that began in April.

Preparations for the annual closure began in the early hours of the morning, with priests conducting special prayers and religious ceremonies. After the rituals, the ceremonial palanquin carrying the deity was taken to the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath, the winter abode of Lord Shiva, where devotees can pray for the next six months.

The portals of the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples were also closed for the winter. The two shrines together have recorded more than 18 million pilgrims.

Badarinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) president Hemant Dwivedi told the media that more than 60 lakh devotees visited Char Dham shrines – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri this year.

“This is a record move witnessed by the Char Dham Yatra which will end with the closure of the Badrinath temple on November 16,” he said.

Apart from its religious significance, the pilgrimage is a major contributor to Uttarakhand’s economy and supports the livelihood of a large section of its population. The state government makes elaborate arrangements for the yatra every year, supporting more than 10 lakh people through direct and indirect employment in sectors such as hotels, restaurants, tours, taxi services, guides, priestly services, mule operations, porters and manual labour.

According to official estimates, the pilgrimage generates revenue of around ₹7,500 crore in six months.

However, 287 pilgrims also died in the season due to health reasons in high mountain shrines. During the monsoon, the yatra was suspended for a short time as heavy rainfall and landslides blocked the roads leading to the temples, disrupting the movement of pilgrims.

Published – 11 Nov 2026 17:21 IST