The Char Dham Yatra holds great significance for Indians, with thousands and millions participating in this pilgrimage every year. For those heading to Gangotri Dham, there is important news: the kpaat temple for pilgrims will be closed on November 10. Thus, there are only 19 days left to visit the temple, and over 10 million pilgrims are expected during this period.
The well-known Char Dham pilgrimage in the state of Uttarakhand includes the sacred sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. This journey usually starts from Haridwar or Rishikesh and takes about 10-12 days. The Kpaat Gangotri Dham will be closed for the winter period on November 10 during the Annakut festival.
When will the kpaats of Yamunotri and Kedarnath close?
According to tradition, the kpaats of Gangotri Dham will close one day earlier, on November 11, the day of Bhaiyaduj festival. Pilgrims have only 19 days left to complete this arduous journey.
Arrival of 10 Million Pilgrims Expected
The kpaat temples of Gangotri and Yamunotri were opened to people on April 19, and after the monsoon season ends in November, a large number of visitors is expected. According to information, this is the first instance since the formation of separate states when 10 million pilgrims are expected at Gangotri Dham just to visit this temple.
Local priests and hotel owners also predict a large number of pilgrims during the final stage of the Char Dham Yatra. Despite it being the concluding stage, a large number of people are observed during the trip. Most importantly, the Gangotri temple can be reached directly by car, and there is no long trekking route. Suresh Semwal, secretary of the temple committee, reported that the kpaat Gangotri Dham will close on Tuesday, November 10, at noon at 12:05 PM, on the day of Annakut and Govardhan Puja.
Visiting Maa Ganga in Mukhabha
After the closure of the Gangotri kpaat, the sacred chariot of Maa Ganga will proceed to the winter abode of Mukhabha. For the next six months, Maa Ganga will reside in the Ganga temple in Mukhabha. Since the Gangotri Dham kpaat remains closed due to heavy snowfall in winter, pilgrims can perform regular worship and visit Maa Ganga in the village of Mukhabha.