Satpal Maharaj, Minister of Tourism, Endowment, and Culture for the state, announced that after the closure of the gates of Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Kedarnath, the gates of Badrinath will also be closed on November 25.
Dehradun: The Char Dham Yatra 2025 in Uttarakhand is continuing with its full splendor and devout tradition. Now that the gates of Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Kedarnath have closed, the state government has announced that the gates of Badrinath will also be closed on November 25, 2025. On this occasion, the state government has made special arrangements for devotees at the winter pilgrimage sites to ensure they can perform prayers with ease.
Details of Worship at Winter Pilgrimage Sites
Satpal Maharaj, Minister of Tourism, Endowment, and Culture for the Government of Uttarakhand, stated that worship and darshan at the winter pilgrimage sites of Char Dham will be as follows this year:
- Kedarnath: Lord Kedarnath will be worshipped at Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath.
- Badrinath: Worship of Lord Badrinath will continue at Pandukeshwar (Yogdhyan Badri Temple).
- Gangotri: Goddess Ganga will be worshipped in Mukhba.
- Yamunotri: Worship of Goddess Yamunotri will conclude in Kharsali.
Due to heavy snowfall and harsh weather in winter, the deities of the Char Dham reside at these locations. Therefore, devotees can comfortably perform darshan and worship at the winter pilgrimage sites.
Promoting Winter Pilgrimage
Satpal Maharaj stated that the Uttarakhand government is continuously striving to promote winter pilgrimage. He thanked pilgrims, temple priests, local citizens, volunteer organizations, and officials, whose cooperation has ensured the successful and smooth conduct of the yatra. The minister informed that under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, despite various obstacles encountered during the monsoon season, a record number of devotees participated in the Char Dham Yatra this year as well. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also encouraged the state government and officials to promote winter pilgrimage.
The Uttarakhand government has decided to offer up to a 50 percent discount in hotels this year to make the winter pilgrimage easier and more affordable. This will facilitate devotees with accommodation and worship during their journey. Minister Satpal Maharaj stated that, similar to last year, a large number of devotees undertook the Char Dham Yatra this year and received blessings.
Char Dham Yatra 2025: Record Number of Devotees
According to the Uttarakhand government's report, more than 50 lakh devotees have visited the Char Dham Yatra 2025 so far. The number of devotees for each shrine is as follows:
- Kedarnath: Over 17 lakh
- Badrinath: Over 15 lakh
- Gangotri: Over 7.5 lakh
- Yamunotri: Over 6.5 lakh
This data clearly indicates that the Char Dham Yatra remains highly popular among Indian pilgrims and continues to be a center for spiritual experience for devotees.
