Char Dham closing dates for 2020 announced

The dates of closure for Uttarakhand's famous Char Dham—Badrinath, Kedaranath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri have been announced. Reportedly, portals of Gangotri will close on November 15, Kedarnath and Yamunotri on November 16, whereas portals of Badrinath will close on November 19.

This was announced by the authorities of Uttarakhand Char Dham Devasthanam Board on the occasion of Dussehra, i.e., on Sunday. As per the reports, the said dates were decided based on astronomical calculations.
Referring to this, Additional Chief Executive Officer of the Devasthanam Board BD Singh stated that the portals of Kedarnath will be closed on November 16 at 8:30 AM, whereas the Badrinath portal will close on November 19 at 3:35 PM.
Further, President of Gangotri Temple Suresh Semwal informed that the Gangotri shrine will close on November 15 at 12:15 PM, i.e., on the auspicious occasion of Annakoota festival; whereas spokesperson of Yamunotri Temple Committee Bageshwar Uniyal said that the portals of Yamunotri shrine will be closed on November 16 at 12:15 PM on the occasion of Bhai Dooj.
Apart from these shrines, Tungnath Temple will close on November 4, whereas Madmaheshwar temple will close on November 19 at 7 AM. Also, as per the reports, the annual Madmaheshwar fair will be held on November 22.

Initially, only locals were allowed to take part in the Char Dham Yatra to contain the spread of Coronavirus. However, later in July, the Uttarakhand state government announced that pilgrims from outside the state will also be allowed to visit the Char Dham shrines.