Badrinath portals thrown open for devotees

The sacred portals of Badrinath shrine in Uttarakhand was thrown open for the devotees on early morning at 4:30 am on Monday amidst Vedic chanting and tunes of the Army band.

The portals of the sacred Kedarnath shrine were re-opened yesterday while the Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines have already been re-opened.

All Necessary arrangements have been made by the state government to facilitate a smooth yatra for the pilgrims. Medical and Disaster Management Team have also been deployed at various points along yatra route in aid of pilgrims.

Earlier, the process for reopening the gates of the famous Himalayan shrine began on April 28. The idol of Lord Vishnu in a colourful palanquin was carried by devotees and priests that the Nrisingh temple of Joshimath on April 28 where it is worshipped during winters for Badrinath in the form of a procession and halt for the night at Pandukeshwar.

Lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad visit the temples during the annual yatra season which is considered the backbone of the economy of the Garhwal Himalayas.

The gates of the Char Dham consisting of four Himalayan shrines, including Badrinath, are closed during October-November every year for the winters due to snowbound conditions in the area. They are reopened every year in April-May.