With the chanting of “Jai Badri Vishal,” Shri Badrinath Dham in Chamoli opened its doors early on Thursday, marking the official beginning of the Char Dham Yatra. The temple, one of Hinduism’s holiest shrines, opened at 6:15 a.m. amidst Vedic rituals and chants. Devotees eagerly gathered to offer prayers and witness this auspicious event, with many queuing up since the previous night to be among the first to seek blessings.
The atmosphere was filled with joy and devotion as the temple gates swung open, with devotees expressing their reverence in various ways. Some prayed with folded hands, others with deep emotion, and some capturing the moment on their phones. The temple complex was adorned with flowers, and the Army band’s melodious tunes added to the sanctity of the occasion. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also visited the temple to offer prayers and performed the first ‘puja’ of Lord Badri Vishal on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The opening of Shri Badrinath Dham signifies the official commencement of the sacred Char Dham Yatra, a pilgrimage that attracts devotees from across the country and beyond. The pilgrimage, which includes visits to Shri Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri Dhams, holds immense spiritual significance for millions of devotees who believe that seeking blessings at these shrines brings peace and relief from suffering.
