Snowfall covered Himalayan peaks around Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri as rain swept the shrines. Pilgrims continued queuing for prayers despite falling temperatures and difficult travel conditions.Despite the drop in temperatures and challenging weather conditions, pilgrims continued to arrive at the shrines.
Uttarakhand witnessed a spell of rain and snowfall on Thursday as weather conditions changed across the Himalayan state, covering the higher peaks around Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath in a blanket of snow.The fresh snowfall over the higher reaches of Uttarkashi district, along with rain at the prominent pilgrimage sites, brought a sharp chill to the region.Despite the drop in temperatures and challenging weather conditions, pilgrims continued to arrive at the shrines, with devotees seen waiting in queues to offer prayers.At Kedarnath Dham, snowfall transformed the surrounding landscape, covering the temple's surroundings and nearby mountains in white. The falling temperatures intensified the cold, but the weather did little to dampen the enthusiasm of devotees, who continued to wait for their turn to seek blessings.
The snow-covered peaks and the temple's striking setting created a dramatic Himalayan scene, with pilgrims braving the cold to complete their pilgrimage.BADRINATH SEES RAIN AS SNOWFALL COVERS HIGHER PEAKSIn Chamoli district, the weather also took a turn, with snowfall reported across higher-altitude areas and light rain at Badrinath Dham. The skies remained cloudy through the morning, while the surrounding mountain peaks appeared covered in fresh snow.
Rain at the shrine brought a further drop in temperatures, increasing the chill for both residents and visiting pilgrims.Despite the wet and cold conditions, devotees continued to queue for darshan at the Badrinath temple, many wrapped in warm clothing or taking shelter from the rain while waiting for their turn. At Kedarnath Dham, snowfall transformed the surrounding landscape.
The contrasting weather — snow across the higher mountain slopes and rain at the shrine — added to the winter-like conditions at the pilgrimage site.Gangotri and Yamunotri in Uttarkashi district also witnessed snowfall over their higher peaks, highlighting the changing weather across Uttarakhand's Himalayan belt.PILGRIMS ADVISED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONSThe changing weather has made conditions more challenging for people travelling to the high-altitude shrines, where temperatures can fall rapidly during rain and snowfall.Pilgrims visiting Kedarnath and Badrinath have been advised to wear adequate warm clothing, check the latest weather updates and follow instructions issued by the local administration.Rain, snow and cold conditions can make travel more difficult in mountainous terrain, particularly along exposed roads and high-altitude routes. Visitors are therefore encouraged to remain alert to changing conditions and avoid taking unnecessary risks.The latest spell of precipitation has brought a fresh coating of snow to Uttarakhand's higher Himalayan reaches, enhancing the region's winter landscape even as devotees continue their pilgrimage.For now, the state remains under the influence of colder, unsettled conditions, with the higher reaches witnessing snowfall and the prominent shrines experiencing rain and falling temperatures.(With inputs from Praveen Semwal, Onkar Bahuguna)- Ends