The portals of Badrinath Dham—revered as *Bhu Vaikunth* (Earthly Abode of the Divine) and counted among the world-renowned Char Dham pilgrimage sites—have been opened amidst the chanting of Vedic mantras and traditional rituals. The gates of Lord Badri Vishal were opened for devotees’ *darshan* (sacred viewing) at 6:15 AM, marking the beginning of a six-month pilgrimage season. On this auspicious occasion, the Badrinath temple was adorned with approximately 20 quintals of flowers, creating a breathtaking spectacle that truly enhances the splendor of the shrine. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was also present to witness this event.
It is noteworthy that on Thursday—April 23—at 6:15 AM, the portals of Badrinath Dham were opened for devotees to offer their prayers. As the gates swung open, the entire temple complex reverberated with resounding chants of “Jai Badri Vishal!” Thousands of people gathered to witness this momentous opening, with many expressing that they felt truly blessed to have witnessed this special occasion and to have received the *darshan* of Lord Badri Vishal. Immediately following the opening of the gates, long queues of devotees formed, eager to offer their prayers. Chief Minister Dhami himself was present at Badrinath for the occasion.
With the opening of the portals of Badrinath Dham, Uttarakhand’s Char Dham Yatra for 2026 has now commenced in full swing. It is worth noting that the pilgrimage season began earlier—on April 19, coinciding with the festival of *Akshaya Tritiya*—when the portals of Yamunotri and Gangotri Dham were opened. This was followed by the opening of the portals of Kedarnath Dham on April 22. With these events, the Char Dham Yatra—a journey deeply rooted in faith, devotion, and reverence—has officially begun. An overwhelming sense of enthusiasm regarding the Char Dham Yatra is currently palpable among the devotees.
