Portals of Badrinath shrine to be closed on November 18

Portals of the famous Badrinath shrine will be closed for devotees on November 18, bringing to an end this year's 'Char Dham' yatra which was marred by the June rain fury and remained suspended for nearly three months.
A decision in this regard was taken in a meeting of the Kedarnath Badrinath Mandir Samiti today, its officials said.
The shrine, situated in the Garhwal Himalayas, was reopened on October 5 after remaining closed for nearly three months due to the damage caused by the deluge.
Portals of all four shrines of the 'Char Dham' circuit -- Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath -- are closed every year ahead of the onset of winters.

As per customary practice, portals of Gangotri shrine are closed on the next day of Diwali, while those of Kedarnath and Yamunotri a day later.