In short: On Saturday, 14 November 2026, the recitation of Vedic hymns stopped at Badrinath temple after the Khadga Pustak puja, on day three of the panch pujas. Darshan of Badri Vishal stays open until the doors close at 9:37 pm on 16 November.
−8°C / 5°C
−10°C / 6°C
−9°C / 6°C
Forecast estimate for this spot, not a thermometer reading at the temple; actual weather can differ. Always follow official IMD alerts. Weather data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0), updates automatically; tap Refresh for the latest.
| What happened | Vedic hymn recitation formally stopped for the season |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday afternoon, 14 November 2026 (day three of the panch pujas) |
| Rituals | Khadga (sword) and Pustak (sacred book) puja in the sanctum and courtyard; Veda and Upanishad texts worshipped and kept safely |
| Led by | Rawal Amarnath Namboodiri with the Naib Rawal, Dharmadhikari and Vedapathis |
| Next step | 15 November: Mata Lakshmi invited into the Badri Vishal sanctum |
| Main kapat close | 9:37 pm, Monday, 16 November 2026 |
The third of Badrinath’s five closing rituals was completed on Saturday afternoon, 14 November 2026. At the Badrinath temple in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, the daily recitation of Vedic hymns was formally stopped for the season, after the Khadga Pustak puja was performed in the sanctum and the temple courtyard, ETV Bharat reported from Chamoli. The schedule was shared by Dr Harish Gaur, media in-charge of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC).
During the puja, the priests worshipped the sword (khadga) and the sacred books (pustak). All the Veda and Upanishad texts used in the temple were then worshipped and placed in a safe, proper place for the winter. The rites were led by Rawal Amarnath Namboodiri, the chief priest, with Naib Rawal Suryarag Namboodiri, Dharmadhikari Swayambar Acharya Semwal, Vedapathi Dr Ravindra Bhatt, Acharya Vani Vilas Dimri and Dr Amit Bandoliya.
BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi greeted pilgrims and said this year’s Char Dham Yatra was very successful. Large numbers of devotees are reaching Badrinath to be present for the closing days, the report said.
The panch pujas began on 12 November with the closing of the Ganesh temple, and on 13 November the Adi Kedareshwar and Adi Guru Shankaracharya temples closed. Read our earlier report: Badrinath: Adi Kedareshwar Temple Closes for Winter, 13 Nov.
What happens next at Badrinath
- Sunday, 15 November: Mata Lakshmi will be formally invited to take her seat in the sanctum of Badri Vishal (day four of the panch pujas).
- Monday, 16 November, night: a special Shayan Aarti, then the deity is covered with a ghee-soaked woollen blanket (ghrit kambal). The main doors close at 9:37 pm, ending the 2026 Char Dham Yatra.
- Tuesday, 17 November: the palanquins of Shri Uddhav ji, Shri Kuber ji and Adi Guru Shankaracharya leave for their winter seats, and the festive palanquin of Badri Vishal moves towards Pandukeshwar, as per the schedule reported by IANS.
What this means for yatris
- Badri Vishal darshan is still open. You have until the evening of Monday, 16 November to have darshan this season.
- Expect more people than usual at Badrinath over the last two days, as many devotees come to see the closing. Reach early for darshan and keep warm clothing ready for the cold nights.
- If you are planning a late visit, check road and weather updates for the Rishikesh–Badrinath highway before you leave Haridwar or Rishikesh.
- After the doors close, winter darshan of Lord Badrinath’s representatives continues at Pandukeshwar and Jyotirmath.
Related guides and yatras
- Badrinath yatra guide
- Badrinath winter darshan guide
- Winter Char Dham darshan 2026
- Panch Badri guide
- Badri Vishal Darshan – Badrinath Dham Yatra
More yatra updates
Frequently asked questions
What is the Khadga Pustak puja at Badrinath?
It is the third of the five closing rituals (panch pujas). The priests worship the sword (khadga) and the sacred books (pustak), and after it the daily recitation of Vedic hymns in the temple stops until the doors open again next year.
Is Badrinath darshan still open after 14 November?
Yes. Darshan of Badri Vishal continues until the doors close at 9:37 pm on Monday, 16 November 2026.
What happens on 15 November at Badrinath?
On day four of the panch pujas, Mata Lakshmi is formally invited to take her seat beside Badri Vishal in the sanctum for the winter.
Where can I have Badrinath darshan in winter?
After the closing, winter worship of Lord Badrinath’s representatives continues at Pandukeshwar and Jyotirmath in Chamoli district.
When will the Badrinath doors open again?
The opening date for 2027 is usually announced on Basant Panchami. We will publish it when the temple committee confirms it.
Sources
- ETV Bharat – Badrinath Dham panch puja third day, Vedic hymn recitation stopped (14 November 2026)
- IANS via Punjab Kesari – Panch Pujas begin at Badrinath Dham ahead of closure, preparations for winter pilgrimage underway (12 November 2026)
