Uttarakhand: On the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj, October 23, 2025, the sacred doors of Kedarnath Dham were ceremonially closed for the winter season due to harsh weather conditions and heavy snowfall. To ensure the safety of devotees and to continue religious rituals, the temple doors are closed for approximately six months each year. The closure took place at 8:30 AM with Vedic chants and religious ceremonies.Levi's Men's Slim Fit Mid Rise 511 Mid-Rise Jeans

Closure Rituals: Before the closure, a 'Samadhi Puja' was performed, during which the self-manifested Shivalinga was covered with sacred ash, grains, fruits, rudraksha, and white cloth. Winter Abode: After the closure, Lord Kedarnath’s 'Panchamukhi Utsav Murti' (processional idol) was carried in a palanquin procession to its winter abode at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where worship will continue for the next six months.Reopening: Kedarnath Dham typically reopens each year around Akshaya Tritiya in April/May.Record Number of Pilgrims: In the 2025 pilgrimage season, Kedarnath Dham saw a record-breaking 17.68 lakh visitors, surpassing the previous year’s count of 16.52 lakh by approximately 1.25 lakh. Also Read; BWSSB joins Global Smart Water Networks Forum (SWAN); Becomes India’s First Water Utility to Earn Membership

Chardham Yatra: Overall, more than 50 lakh devotees visited the four sacred sites (Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri) this year. Alongside Kedarnath, the doors of Gangotri (October 22) and Yamunotri (October 23) Dhams were also closed for the winter season.