KEDARNATH: A massive congregation of devotees assembled at the revered Kedarnath Dham on Wednesday to witness the grand closure of the Himalayan shrine’s portals for the winter season at 8:30 AM, executed amidst traditional rituals and solemn Vedic chanting.
The ceremonial palanquin (Chal Vigraha Utsav Doli) carrying the holy seat of Lord Shiva is now en route to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, which serves as the deity’s winter abode for the next six months.
Coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj, the closure ceremony drew pilgrims from across the nation and abroad, eager to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva before the shrine closed its doors for the prolonged winter break.
Speaking to ANI, the Chief Priest of Kedarnath Dham, Gangadhar Ling Maharaj, confirmed that all prescribed religious ceremonies were meticulously performed prior to the closure. “It is Bhai Dooj today. The portals of Kedarnath Dham will be closed today. Mahabhishek of Lord Shankar will be conducted this morning, followed by special prayers, after which the main portals of the temple will be officially closed around 8:30 AM,” he stated.
Following the formal closure, the ceremonial Doli of Lord Shiva commenced its procession toward the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where daily worship and rituals will be sustained throughout the winter season.
Elaborating on security measures, Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Niharika Tomar assured that extensive safety and administrative protocols were established for both the closure ceremony and the journey of the sacred palanquin. “Following the closure, the Gaddi (deity’s seat) is being conveyed to its winter seat in Ukhimath. Adequate security arrangements have been deployed by the police, including a dedicated guard of honour and mobile security details for the Doli,” Tomar added.
She further noted that security personnel have been stationed along key halts along the procession route. A dedicated unit of the district police force alongside a platoon of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) will remain stationed at Kedarnath to safeguard the complex until it reopens next year. Traffic management and security frameworks have also been operationalized in Ukhimath to assist visiting pilgrims during the winter darshan period.
The formal closure marks the conclusion of this year’s Char Dham pilgrimage at Kedarnath, with the shrine slated to reopen to devotees around Akshaya Tritiya next year following the winter recess.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com