The closure marks the formal conclusion of the Char Dham Yatra 2026 as below-freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall begin to cover the high-altitude Himalayan ranges. Ahead of the final gates shutting, a highly sacred five-day ritual sequence known as the Pancha Puja will commence on November 12.
The rituals include the sequential closure of the minor temples dedicated to Sri Ganesh and Adi Kedareshwar, followed by the Ved Path Samapan—the ceremonial conclusion of Vedic mantra recitations. On the fourth day, Goddess Lakshmi will be invited into the garbhagriha. On the final evening, the Rawal Ji will shroud the central Deity of Sri Badri Vishal in a special wool-and-ghee blanket (Ghrut Kambal) hand-woven by the local women of Mana village.
After lighting the Akhand Jyoti (eternal flame) to burn continuously for six months, the temple doors will be locked to the public. The next morning, the Deities will begin their winter migration. The Utsava Murti of Lord Badrinath, alongside the seat of Adi Guru Shankaracharya, will travel in grand palanquin procession down to the Narsimha Temple in Joshimath, which serves as the Badrinath’s official winter abode for uninterrupted daily worship until the spring of 2027.
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