Pushkar Singh Dhami during Kedarnath Temple closure ceremony
The sacred Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, was ceremonially closed for the winter season on Bhai Dooj, marked by grand rituals, floral decorations, and chants of devotion in the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and thousands of devotees.
Before the temple doors were sealed, the entire Kedarpuri complex resounded with cries of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Baba Kedar” as priests performed the final yagna, havan, and samadhi puja. Despite cold weather conditions, nearly 10,000 devotees gathered to witness the revered moment. The temple was beautifully adorned with local flowers, and the Indian Army band filled the air with devotional melodies.
Our correspondent reports that the Shivling of Lord Kedarnath was ceremonially covered with sacred local flowers, including Kumja, Bukla, Rakh, and Brahmakamal, symbolising the deity’s divine rest for the winter period. Following these rituals, the sanctum sanctorum was closed at 8:30 a.m., and the eastern and southern doors of the temple were formally sealed in the presence of the Chief Minister.
Our correspondent adds that the Panchmukhi Utsav Doli (five-faced idol of Lord Kedarnath) began its traditional journey toward its winter abode at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. The procession, accompanied by priests, Army personnel, and chanting devotees, will make night halts at Rampur on Thursday and Guptkashi on Friday before reaching Ukhimath on October 25 (Saturday).
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Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed gratitude to all departments, temple staff, security personnel, and devotees for ensuring the smooth conduct of the Char Dham Yatra 2025. He announced that this year’s pilgrimage saw a record 17.68 lakh devotees, an increase from 16.52 lakh in 2024, reflecting growing faith and improved infrastructure in the region.
The Chief Minister said the Kedarpuri redevelopment project, undertaken under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has restored the shrine’s grandeur and created better facilities for pilgrims. He highlighted that the state government is now promoting the winter Char Dham Yatra, encouraging devotees to visit the winter seats of the four holy shrines to ensure year-round spiritual activity and continued livelihood for local residents, including homestay operators, shopkeepers, and guides.
Dhami assured that robust security and maintenance arrangements will remain in place throughout the winter and that the state is committed to facilitating winter worship rituals. He commended the dedication of temple authorities, police, SDRF teams, volunteers, and local communities who contributed to the safe and successful completion of this year’s pilgrimage season.
The Chief Minister noted that the Kedarnath Yatra this year remained well-managed and incident-free, apart from minor weather-related disruptions, and reaffirmed that the government will continue strengthening disaster preparedness and pilgrim safety.
The closing ceremony was attended by Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal, Rudraprayag Zila Panchayat Chairperson Poonam Kathait, BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi, District BJP President Bharat Bhushan Bhatt, Agriculture Marketing Board Chairman Anil Dabbu, BKTC Vice President Rishi Prasad Sati, District Magistrate Prateek Jain, Superintendent of Police Akshay Prahlad Konde, and several other officials and dignitaries.
As the temple doors closed for the season, the atmosphere in Kedarpuri was filled with spiritual energy, marking the end of another successful pilgrimage year and the beginning of winter worship at Ukhimath, where Lord Kedarnath’s idol will now be enshrined until spring.
