In Uttarakhand, the world-renowned Gangotri Shrine, located in Uttarkashi district, will be closed for the winter season today at 11:36 am on the occasion of Annakut festival.
The temple has been lavishly decorated with marigold flowers for this occasion. So far this year, over 7 lakh 57 thousand devotees have visited the Gangotri Shrine. To ensure a smooth and well-organised pilgrimage, the district administration made special arrangements for security and essential facilities.
Temple priest Rakesh Semwal informed that after the closure of the shrine, the ceremonial palanquin of Goddess Ganga will proceed to Mukhba village, her winter abode.
For the next six months, devotees will be able to offer prayers at the Ganga Temple located in Mukhba. Meanwhile, the portals of Kedarnath Shrine in Rudraprayag district and Yamunotri Shrine in Uttarkashi district will be closed tomorrow, on the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj, for the winter season.
Winter closure. The shrine closes for the winter season every year to prevent access during periods of heavy snowfall.
Date and time. The official closing time was 11:36 AM on October 22, 2025.
Reason for closure. The closure marks the end of the pilgrimage season and happens around the time of the Annakut festival, which follows Diwali.
Winter seat. The idol of Goddess Ganga will be moved from the Gangotri shrine to Mukhba village, where it will be worshipped until the temple reopens in the spring.