Badrinath closed for winters

The sacred portals of Badrinath were closed for the winters todayafter elaborate rituals marking the conclusion of the annual chardham yatra.
The other three Himalayan shrines on the circuit - Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri - were closed earlier this month.
A large number of pilgrims from across the country and abroad braved the winter chill and thronged the high-altitude shrine to witness the closing ceremony presided over by Rawal (chief priest) Ishwar Prasad Namboodiri.
Decorated with marigold flowers on the occasion, the gates of the temple were closed at 3.45 PM amid traditional prayers in the presence of Chief Minister Harish Rawat, Namboodiri and a host of administrative and Mandir Samiti officials, CEO, Badrinath-Kedarnath Mandir Samiti, V D Singh said.

The chants of 'Jai Badrivishal' rent the air as the idol of lord Vishnu was taken out of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
Ensconsed in a colourful palanquin, the idol of lord Vishnu, to whom the temple is dedicated, would be taken to Joshimath tomorrow where he will be worshipped during the six-month long winter break.
The four Himalayan shrines of the state, also known as chardham, are closed annually for winters when they are snowbound.