Yamunotri, Kedarnath will receive first snowfall of the season

View of Kedarnath Dham after snowfall. | Photo credit: ANI

The first snowfall of the season at the Jamunotri shrine in Uttarakhand on Sunday (October 25, 2026) cheered pilgrims visiting the temple, while Kedarnath also witnessed snowfall as the Char Dham Yatra entered its final phase.

Vinit Posti, specially invited member of the Shri Kedarnath-Badrinath temple committee, appealed to the pilgrims to carry all essential medicines and be careful during their journey.

Pilgrims at Yamunotri were thrilled to witness the snowfall, with devotees who came to seek the blessings of Goddess Yamuna taking the opportunity to enjoy the natural scenery amid the falling snow.

Girish Uniyal, secretary of the Panch Panda Samiti, said the pilgrims were visibly excited by the first snowfall of the season.

“For some it was the first time they had witnessed snowfall at such close range, so they were absolutely overjoyed,” he said.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast very light to light rain or snowfall at isolated places in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, Chamoli and Pithoragarh districts of Uttarakhand on Sunday.

A surge in pilgrim arrivals during the final phase of the summer Char Dham Yatra has brought renewed activity to the Yamunotri shrine, offering relief and optimism to local business owners whose livelihoods depend on the pilgrimage.

Around 6,000 pilgrims reached the Yamunotri Dham on Saturday to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Goddess Yamuna.

Sunil Uniyal, secretary of the Yamunotri temple committee, said pilgrims from different parts of the country were coming to the shrine during the last leg of the summer pilgrimage.

“This influx has also proved beneficial for those involved in the Char Dham Yatra business,” he said.

The Yamunotri portals will close for the half-yearly winter season on November 11, on the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj, Uniyal said.

During the winter, devotees will be able to seek the blessings of Goddess Yamuna at the Yamuna Temple in Kharsali.

Published – 25 Oct 2026 21:22 IST