In Uttarakhand, the portals of two of Uttarakhand’s world-famous Char Dham shrines – Shri Kedarnath Dham and Yamunotri Dham – were ceremoniously closed today on the occasion of Bhai Dooj,  with traditional rituals and chanting of mantras. Both shrines were beautifully decorated with several quintals of flowers for the occasion. The doors of Shri Kedarnath Dham were closed at 8:30 AM, while those of Yamunotri Dham were closed at 12:30 PM.

After the closure of the Kedarnath temple, the Panchmukhi (five-faced) idol of Lord Kedarnath, carried in a Doli  (festive palanquin) , departed from the shrine for its winter abode at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. The Doli will make its first night halt at Rampur, and after passing through various stops, it will reach Ukhimath on October 25, where it will be ceremoniously installed at the Omkareshwar Temple. For the next six months, devotees will be able to offer prayers and have the darshan of Baba Kedar at Ukhimath. Meanwhile, after the closure of the Yamunotri Dham in Uttarkashi, the palanquin of Goddess Yamuna departed for her winter seat at Kharsali where devotees will be able to worship and have darshan of Maa Yamuna for the next six months. During this year’s pilgrimage season, more than 24 lakh devotees visited Kedarnath and Yamunotri Dham. On the occasion of the closing of the Kedarnath temple, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the shrine and prayed for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of the people of the state.