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.

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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