On Friday, 15th May 2020, the gates of the revered Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand were opened early in the morning. However, the shrine lacked the ocean of devotees, which is typical of the occasion. Only a select group of priests along with some Devasthanam Board officials attended a low-key ceremony performed at the Himalayan temple. As per the reports, the gates of the temple opened at 4.30 am and social distancing was practised by everyone present. Face masks were mandatory for all.

Badrinath Temple

The temple officials stated that the first puja at the temple was performed on behalf of Prime Minister Modi for the welfare of humanity. About 10 quintals of flowers were used to decorate the temple for its opening. On this auspicious occasion, Trivendra Singh Rawat – the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand – and Satpal Maharaj – the state’s Tourism Minister – expressed happiness and congratulated devotees. They also claimed that the sacred Char Dham yatra would commence as soon as possible.

As the pandemic has affected devotees’ plans to embark on Char Dham yatra, Uttarakhand Char Dhaam Devasthanam Board is making special arrangements for darshan, puja, bhog and virtual arti from home.

Badrinath is among the four Char Dham yatra temples in the state of Uttarakhand. It was supposed to open on 30th April. However, amidst the current outbreak situation and nationwide lockdown, the opening was postponed. Typically, the shrine remains open for about six months every year as the winter snow makes it impossible for devotees to reach the shrine.

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