Dehradun: The sacred portals of Kedarnath temple were closed for the winter season on Sunday, amidst Vedic rituals, with over 18,000 pilgrims in attendance.
'The ceremony began at 4 AM and the gates were officially closed at 8:30 AM', according to Harish Gaur from the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC).
This marks the end of the pilgrimage season, which saw a record 16.5 lakh devotees visit the temple.
The idol of Lord Shiva was relocated to Omkareshwar temple, where worship will continue during the winter months.
Located at 11,000 ft. in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath is one of India's 12 Jyotirlingas and a prominent pilgrimage site, attracting lakhs of visitors annually. But the temple closes during winter when it is covered in snow. The doors will reopen after the winter snow thaws.