The portals of the Badrinath temple in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas reopened for devotees on Thursday after remaining closed for six months during the winter season. The first puja after the reopening was performed in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The gates of the temple, located in Chamoli district, were opened at 6.15 am amid Vedic rituals and traditional prayers. Around 15,000 pilgrims from different parts of the nation and abroad attended the reopening ceremony.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt were present at the event and interacted with devotes to review the arrangements made by the administration.
CM Dhami, in a post on X, said, "Today, with full rites and rituals and the chanting of Vedic mantras, the gates of the sacred Badrinath Dham, the earthly Vaikunth, will be opened for devotees. May the grace of Lord Badrinath Vishal bring happiness, peace, and prosperity into the lives of all devotees. May this sacred occasion bring a message of spiritual energy, faith, and a positive beginning for everyone. A hearty welcome and warm greetings to all of you for the Holy Char Dham Yatra - 2026."
He further added, "With the opening of the portals to Badrinath Dham today, Char Dham is completely open. With the blessings of all four dhams and the blessings of Bhagwan Badri Vishal, may the Char Dham yatra be safe and well. May the regulations of Yatra be followed..."
Dhami said the state government had made elaborate preparations to ensure a safe and smooth Chardham Yatra and appealed to devotees to help maintain a “green and clean” pilgrimage. Dhami also inaugurated a community kitchen for pilgrims.
The temple, situated between the Nar and Narayan mountains, was decorated with tonnes of flowers for the occasion. The atmosphere turned festive with the sound of drums, army bands and chants of ‘Jai Badri Vishal’, while women from Mana and Bamni villages performed the traditional ‘Jhumailo’ dance in the temple courtyard.
Devotees from different states also sang devotional songs to celebrate the reopening. The portals of the other three Himalayan shrines — Gangotri, Yamunotri and Kedarnath — have already opened for pilgrims.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Chief Minister visited Mana village. He toured the region and interacted with devotees as well as local residents. On the occasion, he urged everyone to help make the Char Dham Yatra safe, comfortable and environmentally sustainable. He stressed the need for a plastic-free and green pilgrimage.
Dhami expressed confidence that with continued efforts by the state government and support from the Centre, border villages like Mana would witness rapid development and contribute to building a self-reliant Uttarakhand.
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