Badrinath Pilgrimage Reaches Record 1.779 Million Visitors This Year
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The times of India
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Badrinath Pilgrimage Reaches Record 1.779 Million Visitors This Year

Badrinath Dham has received over 1.779 million pilgrims this year, surpassing the previous annual record of visits to the shrine.

As of September 22, 153 days after the start of the Badrinath Yatra on April 23, the total number of devotees reached 1,779,805. It is expected that the shrine gates will remain open for another one and a half to nearly two months before closing for winter.

Current visitation figures have exceeded the former record of 1,780,429 visitors recorded in 2023, according to government data. Meanwhile, 1,778,298 visitors were registered in 2025.

According to the Department of Tourism, in 2000, when Uttarakhand was established, 695,332 pilgrims visited Badrinath. The number of visitors increased to 768,107 in 2007, and then crossed the million mark in 2008 and 2010.

The 2014 catastrophe led to a sharp decline in the number of pilgrims, with attendance dropping to 159,575. After that, the number of visitors recovered: 1,048,051 people came to Badrinath in 2018, and 1,244,993 in 2019.

The Covid-19 pandemic caused another significant drop, recording 155,055 visitors in 2020 and 199,409 in 2021. However, attendance has significantly increased since 2022. The shrine received 1,763,578 visitors in 2022, followed by 1,780,429 in 2023, 1,774,264 in 2024, and 1,778,298 in 2025.

According to data published by the government body, 6,685 pilgrims visited Badrinath on September 22.

The government stated that measures to ensure health and safety were strengthened, and conditions at the shrines and along the pilgrimage route were improved due to the increased flow of pilgrims during the second phase of the Char Dham Yatra.

Furthermore, the government reported that work is underway to improve facilities in Badrinath Dham. According to Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, 'Considering the growing number of pilgrims during the second phase of the Char Dham Yatra, special attention is being paid to strengthening the conditions for pilgrims in the dhams and at stops along the way. Health and safety measures have also been enhanced. Under the leadership of the esteemed Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, work is progressing rapidly to give Shri Badrinath Dham a majestic, divine, and well-organized appearance befitting its religious and mythological significance. This will ensure better conditions and a more comfortable experience for devotees.'

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Ramkatha of Dhirendra Shastri to take place in Kunda at Raja Bhaiya's estate; gathering of two hundred thousand pilgrims expected
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www.aajtak.in

Ramkatha of Dhirendra Shastri to take place in Kunda at Raja Bhaiya's estate; gathering of two hundred thousand pilgrims expected

Kunda, located in Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh state, has once again become a subject of discussion due to a major religious event. The Shri Ramkatha is planned to be conducted by Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, the spiritual leader of Bageshwar Dham, at the estate of Bahubali Member of Parliament Raguraj Pratap Singh, known as Raja Bhaiya.

It is reported that Raja Bhaiya intends to organize this grand religious event at his estate in Kunda. Although there is no official announcement regarding the date of the event yet, internal sources indicate that preparations have already begun. According to sources, Raja Bhaiya's associates have contacted the government of Bageshwar Dham to organize this Ramkatha, and discussions on the dates are currently underway.

Rumor has it that the event may take place in November of this year, specifically on the 17th, 18th, and 19th, which would mean a three-day religious event. Preparations for this event have generated activity in Kunda, although these dates have not yet been officially confirmed, and a formal announcement from Jansatta Dal is still pending.

The Ramkatha is expected to take place in the Rajmahal in Beti or another large venue in Kunda. According to available information, Raja Bhaiya himself has already inspected potential venues along with his supporters. Photographs from the inspection, posted on the Jansatta Dal website, suggest that preparations for the proposed Ramkatha go beyond mere discussions, and work on the venue and other aspects is already in progress.

Interest in Dhirendra Krishna Shastri's Ramkatha is being shown by residents of Kunda and surrounding areas. It is estimated that around two hundred thousand people may gather for this event. It is expected that a large number of pilgrims will arrive not only from Pratapgarh but also from Priyaganj and Kaushambi. The probability of such a large congregation of devotees has made this event a topic of discussion in the region. Raja Bhaiya's supporters are also expressing enthusiasm for the planned Ramkatha, and such a large religious event in Kunda is considered to hold special significance.

Raja Bhaiya has previously organized large religious events. His father, Raja Uday Pratap Singh, is also considered a person of religious views. In this regard, this event in the Kunda estate, dedicated to Shri Ramkatha of Dhirendra Shastri, is considered important from a religious perspective. Pilgrims visit the Ramkathas conducted by the spiritual leader of Bageshwar Dham in large numbers, which draws public attention to the upcoming event.

Beyond the religious aspect, this event is also being viewed from a political perspective. Political experts believe that through this Ramkatha, Raja Bhaiya may attempt to strengthen his electorate and his Hindu identity. Since a large crowd is expected at Dhirendra Shastri's Ramkatha, the proposed event in Kunda is considered a major regional religious event. Experts also believe that if about two hundred thousand people gather, the impact of the event may be felt not only in Kunda but also in neighboring areas.

At present, the most crucial question concerns the official date and venue of the event. According to sources, the possibility of holding the Ramkatha on November 17th, 18th, and 19th exists, but Jansatta Dal has not yet made an official statement on this. What is clear so far is that Raja Bhaiya's associates have contacted the government of Bageshwar Dham, and discussions on the Ramkatha dates are ongoing. A site inspection has also been conducted. If the planned event takes place, Shri Ramkatha of Dhirendra Krishna Shastri in Kunda in November could become a major religious event. Currently, pilgrims and Raja Bhaiya's supporters are awaiting an official announcement.

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