The doors of Badrinath Dham opened: The praise of ‘Badri Vishal’ echoed among 15 thousand devotees, CM Dhami got the first puja done in the name of PM Modi.

Chamoli (Uttarakhand): The world famous Chardham Yatra of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand has started. At exactly 6:15 am on Thursday morning, the doors of Lord Shri Badrinath were opened for the summer season with Vedic chanting and rituals. As soon as the doors opened, the entire Badrinath Dham was drenched with an unwavering feeling of devotion and reverence. To witness this historic and sacred moment, about 15 thousand devotees from India and abroad reached the Dham, who earned virtuous benefits by having darshan of Lord Badri Vishal and the eternal flame burning there.

First Mahabhishek Puja held in the name of PM Modi

On this auspicious occasion of inauguration, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami himself was present at Badrinath Dham. He performed the first Mahabhishek puja of the Lord in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and wished for the happiness and prosperity of the country and the state. Along with the main temple, the Chief Minister also worshiped other deities including Lakshmi Temple, Ganesh Temple and Adi Guru Shankaracharya Gaddi located in the complex.

Welcome of pilgrims and review of arrangements

The Chief Minister warmly welcomed the pilgrims who reached the Dham and interacted with them and also took feedback on the travel arrangements. CM Dhami assured that the state government has made extensive preparations to make the Chardham Yatra safe, easy and organized. Describing the convenience and safety of the devotees as a priority, he called upon everyone to be a part of the ‘Green and Clean Chardham Yatra’ and give the message of environmental protection.

Glimpse of folk culture: Badrinath Dham danced on Jagars

The celebration of the opening of doors was not limited only to worship, but a wonderful confluence of folk culture of Uttarakhand was also seen here. Women of Mana and Bamani villages presented ‘Jhumailo’ dance in the temple courtyard along with traditional Jagars. The beats of Dhol-Damau and local songs mesmerized the devotees. At the same time, devotees from different parts of the country also expressed their deep devotion by singing bhajans and kirtans.

Inauguration of Bhandara and CM arrived among the devotees

The Chief Minister inaugurated the huge Bhandara organized for the devotees in the Dham by cutting the ribbon and received the Prasad sitting on the ground along with the common devotees. He took information about the arrangements from the Bhandara operators and appreciated the efforts of ‘Manav Seva Ishwar Seva Utthan Samiti’. On this occasion, many dignitaries including Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar, SP Surjit Singh Panwar, BKTC CEO Vishal Mishra and Rawal Amarnath Namboodiri were present.