Kedarnath shrine closed for winter season.

Dehradun, Oct 24 (UNI) Kedarnath Dham was closed today for winter season amid chanting of Vedic rituals in the presence of Mandir Purohits, members of Temple Committees, representatives of District Administration and a large number of devotees.

Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee Chairman Anusuiya Prasad Maikhuri said the shrine was closed at 09800 hrs after performing puja. The shrine would be closed for six months during which Kedarnath would be worshipped at Onkareshwar Mandir Gaddi at Ukhimath.

He informed that the 'Utsav Doli ' of Kedarnath left for Ukhimath after the closure of shrine amid band retreat of 17 Garhwal Rifles.

The Utsav Doli would halt at night Guptakashi on 25th October and reach Ukhimath on October 26 where it would be accorded grand welcome. Mr Maikuri apprised that record more than five lakh pilgrims visited the shrine this season and earning has been of more than two crore rupees.

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