Winter Preparations: Char Dham Temples Close Their Doors

The sacred doors of the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples, part of the revered Char Dham in the Garhwal Himalayas, will close for the winter on November 2 and 3, respectively. During winter, the idols of Goddess Ganga and Goddess Yamuna will be relocated to Mukhba and Kharsali villages.

The revered doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri temples are set to close for the winter season on November 2 and 3, respectively. This annual closure sees the snowbound Garhwal Himalayas' Char Dham temples shut their portals.

According to Gangotri Temple Committee Secretary Suresh Semwal, the Gangotri temple's portals will close at 12:14 PM on November 2 during the Annakoot festival. Meanwhile, Yamunotri temple priest Rawal Ashish Uniyal stated the shrine will close on November 3, coinciding with Bhai Dooj.

Following these closures, the idol of Goddess Ganga will be transported to Mukhba village, and the idol of Goddess Yamuna to Kharsali village for worship during the winter months. The timing for the closures will be determined on Dussehra, maintaining the traditional practices.

(With inputs from agencies.)