The sacred portals of Badrinath Dham, one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites, were ceremoniously reopened to devotees on Sunday morning after remaining closed for six months due to winter. With chants echoing through the Himalayan valley, thousands of pilgrims, along with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, gathered to witness the spiritually significant occasion.
Dharmadhikari Radha Krishna Thapliyal, the chief priest of Badrinath Dham, emphasized the deep emotional and religious significance of the event. “Today is an important day—devotees wait eagerly for six months to seek the Lord’s blessings. The first prayers are offered for the collective well-being of all. The Chief Minister prayed for the prosperity of Uttarakhand, and as tradition holds, pooja is performed on behalf of the entire nation,” he said.
He also urged those unable to visit in person to offer mental prayers, noting that the temple’s grand Shringar (adornment of the deity) would be completed the same day, with darshan open throughout in view of the large influx of pilgrims.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, who personally participated in the rituals and reviewed the logistical arrangements, described the day as a moment of divine grace and community unity. “Today is a very auspicious day. The doors of Lord Badri Vishal have opened once again. I warmly welcome all pilgrims to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand and pray for a smooth and safe pilgrimage for everyone,” he said.
Dhami also highlighted the ongoing developmental work being carried out at the shrine under the Central Government’s guidance. “All arrangements are in place. The master plan for the redevelopment of Lord Badri Vishal’s precinct is progressing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The aim is to enhance facilities for pilgrims while preserving the spiritual essence of the place.”
Devotees at the site shared their joy and serenity upon receiving darshan. “The moment I saw the deity, I felt at peace. The arrangements made by the administration are commendable,” said one devotee. Another commented on the spiritual and climatic atmosphere, saying, “There is a divine calm here, and the cool weather adds to the holiness.”
Badrinath, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is part of the sacred Char Dham Yatra—a four-shrine pilgrimage circuit that also includes Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. This year’s yatra officially began on April 30 with the reopening of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. The portals of Kedarnath were opened on May 2, and with Badrinath’s reopening, all four shrines are now accessible to pilgrims.
The Char Dham Yatra draws lakhs of devotees annually and is not only a spiritual journey but also a major contributor to the region’s economy. Authorities have stepped up safety and crowd management efforts, especially in light of increasing footfall each year.
With spiritual fervor, government support, and improved infrastructure, the reopening of Badrinath Dham marks a hopeful and revitalizing start to the 2025 pilgrimage season in Uttarakhand.
