Badrinath Dham portals opened on April 23, 2026, with Vedic rituals. Around 15,000 devotees attended the ceremony as CM Pushkar Singh Dhami performed the first puja, marking the beginning of Char Dham Yatra.
Chamoli, April 23, 2026
The sacred portals of Badrinath Dham were ceremoniously opened to devotees at 6:15 AM on Thursday with traditional rituals and Vedic chanting, marking the beginning of the summer pilgrimage season. As the doors opened, the entire shrine echoed with deep faith, devotion, and उत्साह. Around 15,000 devotees from across India and abroad gathered to seek blessings of Lord Badri Vishal and witness the eternal flame (Akhanda Jyoti), earning spiritual merit.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami performed the first Mahabhishek Puja in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praying for the prosperity and well-being of the nation and the state. He also offered prayers at nearby temples within the परिसर, including the Lakshmi Temple, Ganesh Temple, and the sacred seat of Adi Guru Shankaracharya.
Review of Arrangements; Warm Welcome to Pilgrims
The Chief Minister warmly welcomed the pilgrims and personally reviewed the arrangements for the yatra. He stated that the state government has made extensive preparations to ensure that the Char Dham Yatra is safe, smooth, and well-organized. Special emphasis has been placed on strengthening facilities to enhance the comfort, safety, and overall experience of devotees.
He also appealed to all pilgrims to support a clean and green pilgrimage and spread awareness about environmental conservation.
Cultural Vibrance: Traditional Jagar and Jhumela Performances
Adding a cultural dimension to the historic occasion, women from Mana and Bamni villages presented traditional “Jagar” folk performances along with the vibrant “Jhumela” dance in the temple courtyard. The entire atmosphere turned festive as devotion blended seamlessly with Uttarakhand’s rich folk heritage. Devotees from various parts of the country also participated in bhajans and kirtans.
Community Feast Inaugurated; CM Shares Prasad with Devotees
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated a large community feast (Bhandara) at the shrine and partook in the prasad along with pilgrims. He interacted with the organizers and appreciated the efforts of the “Manav Seva Ishwar Seva Utthan Samiti” for managing the large-scale food service.
Dignitaries in Attendance
Several dignitaries were present on the occasion, including District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar, Superintendent of Police Surjeet Singh Panwar, BKTC CEO Vishal Mishra, Vice Chairman Rishi Prasad Sati, Rawal Amarnath Namboodiri, Nayab Rawal Suryaragh Namboodiri, Dharmadhikari Swayambar Semwal, Vedpathi Ravindra Bhatt, Acharya Vani Vilas Dimri, and many other officials and devotees.
