Key Points
- The portals of Badrinath Dham opened at 6:00 AM on May 4, 2025, in a grand Vedic ceremony, signaling the full commencement of the Char Dham Yatra 2025.
- Over 22 lakh pilgrims have registered for the Yatra so far, with thousands present at the temple on opening day.
- The temple was adorned with 40 quintals of flowers, and the Indian Army’s Garhwal Rifles band performed devotional music.
- Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the ceremony, offered prayers, and interacted with devotees.
- Security has been significantly increased, with senior police officials overseeing arrangements and over 500 personnel deployed at Badrinath.
- Char Dham Yatra 2025 began on April 30 with the opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri, followed by Kedarnath on May 2.
New Delhi: The sacred portals of Badrinath Dham, one of Hinduism’s most revered pilgrimage sites, were ceremoniously opened to devotees at 6:00 AM on Sunday, May 4, 2025, marking the complete commencement of the Char Dham Yatra this year. The event was celebrated with immense spiritual fervor and elaborate rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to the Himalayan shrine.
A Morning of Devotion, Music, and Flowers
The opening ceremony was marked by the melodious tunes of the Indian Army’s Garhwal Rifles band and the resonant chants of “Jai Badri Vishal” from the crowd. Women sang traditional folk songs, and a shower of flower petals from a helicopter added to the spiritual atmosphere. The temple itself was beautifully decorated with 40 quintals of flowers, creating a mesmerizing sight for the devotees gathered in the early morning hours.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj, present at the ceremony, called it a moment of national joy and urged devotees to visit Badrinath Dham in large numbers to experience spiritual bliss.
Chief Minister’s Visit and Government Support
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the opening, offered prayers, and interacted with pilgrims and locals. He described the day as “very auspicious” and assured that all arrangements for the safety and comfort of devotees were in place. CM Dhami also highlighted ongoing development projects, including the Badrinath Master Plan, and expressed gratitude for central government support, noting the recent approval and release of Rs 292 crore for reconstruction and infrastructure improvements.
Security and Pilgrim Management
In anticipation of the massive influx of devotees, security has been significantly ramped up. Over 500 personnel from Garhwal Rifles, SDRF, PAC, and LIU have been deployed at Badrinath Dham. Senior police officials, including the DGP and ADG, personally reviewed security, traffic management, communication systems, and crowd control measures across the Yatra route. The state government has also established an integrated command center and installed thousands of CCTV cameras to ensure a safe pilgrimage.
Record Registrations and Smooth Arrangements
This year, the Char Dham Yatra has seen unprecedented enthusiasm, with over 22 lakh pilgrims already registered at the Rishikesh Transit Camp. Registration is mandatory for all pilgrims, ensuring better management and safety throughout the journey.
Char Dham Yatra Timeline 2025
- April 30: Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams opened on Akshaya Tritiya, launching the Yatra with Vedic rituals and large gatherings.
- May 2: Kedarnath Dham opened, continuing the spiritual momentum.
- May 4: Badrinath Dham opened, marking the full commencement of the Char Dham Yatra season.
The pilgrimage season will continue for six months, allowing devotees to visit all four sacred shrines-Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath-until the temples close for winter in November.
- Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj
“Today the whole country is happy. Devotees should come in large numbers to offer prayers at the Dham. Devotees experience spiritual bliss here.”
