Char Dham Yatra 2024: Closing Dates Announced For Uttarakhand’s Sacred Shrines As Winter Approaches
Char Dham Yatra 2024: Closing Dates Announced For Uttarakhand’s Sacred Shrines As Winter Approaches
The revered Char Dham shrines in Uttarakhand Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are set to close their doors for the winter season, marking the end of the 2024 pilgrimage period. These annual closures align with traditional rituals and festival timings, ensuring that each temple’s final ceremonies are observed with devotion and reverence.
The Char Dham Yatra, one of India’s most sacred pilgrimages, attracts thousands of devotees who journey in a clockwise sequence from Yamunotri to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and finally Badrinath. The temples, dedicated to various deities, open for only six months each year due to harsh winter conditions.
Gangotri Temple Closing Date
The Gangotri Temple, honoring Goddess Ganga, will close on November 2, 2024, at 12:14 PM, aligning with the Annakoot festival. This timing, confirmed by Suresh Semwal, Secretary of the Gangotri Temple Committee, follows ancient customs as devotees gather to witness the final rituals.
Yamunotri Temple Closing Date
The Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, will close on November 3, 2024, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj. As per tradition, the closure time was confirmed during the Dussehra festival. Priest Rawal Ashish Uniyal announced that the temple will reopen once winter subsides.
Kedarnath Temple Closing Date
The Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and located in the Garhwal Himalayas, will also close on November 3, 2024, at 8:30 AM. Known for its challenging trek and spiritual allure, Kedarnath remains a highlight for pilgrims each year.
Badrinath Temple Closing Date
Badrinath, the sacred temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, will conclude its 2024 pilgrimage season on November 17, at 9:07 PM. This date, chosen on Vijayadashami, takes into account traditional celestial alignments.
Other Shrine Closures in Uttarakhand
Several other important shrines in Uttarakhand will also close as winter approaches. The Rudranath Temple is set to close on October 17, 2024, followed by Tungnath on November 4, and Madhyamaheshwar on November 20.
As winter sets in, these closures ensure that the temples and surrounding regions are preserved during harsh weather conditions, ready to welcome devotees again when the season reopens in 2025.
