Gangotri shrine in Uttarakhand closed

Amid chanting of Vedic hymns, the sacred portals of the famous Gangotri shrine in Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand was closed today in view of the onset of winter.

Devotees and locals thronged in large numbers to witness the annual event.

The head priest of the shrine locked its doors at 12.30 p m in the presence of religious heads and administrative officials.

After the closure ceremony, the idol of Goddess Ganga will be carried in a palanquin to nearby Mukhba village for worship during the winter.

The portals of Yamunotri shrine will be closed on Tuesday.