Badrinath Dham to Welcome Devotees on April 23 with Early Morning Opening
The sacred portals of Badrinath Dham will open for devotees at 6:15 AM on April 23, marking the commencement of the revered pilgrimage season. Preparations for this auspicious event will begin with the Tel Kalash Gadu Ghada yatra, which is scheduled to start on April 7. This ceremonial journey signifies the initial steps towards the shrine's grand reopening after the winter closure.
Ceremonial Announcement at Tehri Raj Darbar on Basant Panchami
The official dates were declared during a significant gathering at the Tehri Raj Darbar in Narendra Nagar on Friday, coinciding with the festival of Basant Panchami. Religious ceremonies commenced at 10:30 AM, conducted by the Tehri royal family, followed by the formal announcement through traditional rituals by Rajpurohit Acharya Krishna Prasad Uniyal.
Hemant Dwivedi, president of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), emphasized the committee's focus on finalizing comprehensive action plans for pilgrimage arrangements. He stated, "Preparations for the Char Dham yatra will remain a key priority alongside the ongoing winter pilgrimage initiatives." This highlights the integrated approach to managing the spiritual journey to the four sacred sites in Uttarakhand.
Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra Postponed to 2027 Due to Weather Concerns
In a related development, the Nanda Devi Raj Jat yatra committee has announced the postponement of this historic pilgrimage to 2027. Following prayers at the Nauti village temple, the committee decided to delay the event, citing "inclement and unpredictable weather" conditions that were anticipated for September of this year, when the yatra was originally proposed.
Bhuwan Nautiyal, a committee member, explained, "The pilgrimage can be completed in the first week of September 2027, making it a more favourable period for participants." The exact dates will be formally declared on Basant Panchami in 2027, ensuring a well-planned and safer experience for all devotees.
New Nanda Badi Jaat Yatra Announced as Alternative
In place of the postponed Nanda Devi Raj Jat, representatives from 484 villages in Chamoli district have introduced a new pilgrimage named the Nanda Badi Jaat yatra. This alternative journey is designed to follow similar spiritual and cultural lines, offering devotees an opportunity to engage in a meaningful religious experience.
Scheduled to begin on September 5, this 21-day yatra will traverse through challenging mountainous terrain, testing the endurance and devotion of participants. Sukhbeer Singh Rautela, vice president of the newly formed committee, mentioned, "Various aspects related to the yatra are being examined, and preparations will begin soon to ensure its successful organization."
The announcement of these pilgrimage dates and the introduction of new yatras reflect the dynamic nature of Uttarakhand's spiritual landscape, balancing tradition with adaptability to environmental and logistical considerations.
