Dehra Dun: The portals of the famous
Himalayan shrine of Badrinath today closed for pilgrims for
winter, signalling the end of Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand.
Amid blowing of conch shells and chanting of vedic hymns
and slogans like "Jai Badri Vishal", Chief priest of Badrinath
shrine Rawal Keshava Namboodiri performed worship and closed
the doors of the temple at 1530 hrs in the presence of senior
administrative and religious officials, Shri Badrinath
Kedarnath temple committee sources said.
A large number of pilgrims were also present outside the
sanctum sanctorum braving the chilly winds to witness the
closing ceremony of the temple that began early this morning.
Badrinath temple is situated at a height of 3133 mt in
Chamoli district situated in the middle of Garhwal Himalayas.
The portals of another famous shrine of Kedarnath in
Rudraprayag district were closed on October 28. The Gangotri
and Yamunotri shrines were also closed last month.
The Chardham Yatra comprising pilgrimage to Badrinath,
Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri begins in May and closes
around this time of the year as the area remains covered under
snow during winter.
The local economy depends heavily on the annual yatra that
attracts nearly 15-16 lakh pilgrims every year from home and
abroad.
PTI
