After the closure of the Char Dham shrines, winter pilgrimages will revive the tourism industry. The state government has begun preparations for this. Pilgrimages will operate from the Char Dham shrines’ winter retreats. The Char Dham Yatra is in its final stages. The closing dates for the Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri shrines have been announced.
After Diwali, the doors of Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri shrines will close this month. The Badrinath shrine will close on November 25th. Upon the closing of Kedarnath shrine, worship of Baba Kedar will be performed at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. Meanwhile, winter pilgrimages will be conducted at the Yoga Badri Pandukeshwar, the Badrinath shrine’s retreat site, and the Narsingh Temple in Jyotirmath. Worship will be performed at Kharsali in Yamunotri and Mukhba in Gangotri.
Preparations for devotees at the Char Dham pilgrimage sites
During the 2024-25 winter pilgrimage, more than 70,000 pilgrims visited the Char Dham shrines. Chief Minister Dhami inaugurated the winter pilgrimage from the Omkareshwar temple, the winter residence of Baba Kedar. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Mukhba, the Gangotri shrine, and delivered the message of the winter pilgrimage to the entire country.
This year, the government is making preparations for devotees at the pilgrimage sites to promote the winter pilgrimage. Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj said that last year, a large number of devotees visited the Char Dham pilgrimage sites for darshan.
The government is striving to ensure that the Char Dham Yatra continues year-round. The pilgrimage is linked to the state’s economy and tourism business. Devotees coming for the winter pilgrimage will be provided with better facilities.
