Current Summary
According to September 23 reports from Times of India and a CM office release, Badrinath Dham has recorded 17,79,805 pilgrims so far this year, crossing 17 lakh for the first time in the shrine's history, with one-and-a-half to two months still left before the temple closes for the season. The Yatra began April 23 and the record was set within 153 days, on September 22. Tourism Department data show footfall of 6,95,332 in 2000, 7,68,107 in 2007, crossing 10 lakh in 2008 and 2010, falling to 1,59,575 in 2014 after the Kedarnath disaster, then recovering to 10,48,051 in 2018 and 12,44,993 in 2019. The report does not disclose an updated month-by-month breakdown for this year or the exact expected closing date.
What We Know
- Badrinath Dham has recorded 17.79 lakh pilgrims so far this year.
- The figure is described as a record for the shrine.
- The Yatra commenced April 23 and set the new record within 153 days, on September 22.
- Historical Badrinath footfall: 6,95,332 (2000), 7,68,107 (2007), over 10 lakh (2008, 2010), 1,59,575 (2014, post-disaster), 10,48,051 (2018), 12,44,993 (2019).
What Is Still Unclear
- The previous record figure for comparison.
- A month-by-month breakdown of visitor numbers.
- When the current yatra season is expected to close.
What Changed
- 23 Sept, 07:41 pmThe Chief Minister's office says the Badrinath Yatra, which began April 23, set this record within 153 days, on September 22. Tourism Department data show the shrine's pilgrim numbers over the years: 6,95,332 in 2000 (the year Uttarakhand was formed), 7,68,107 in 2007, crossing 10 lakh in both 2008 and 2010, then dropping to 1,59,575 in 2014 after the Kedarnath disaster, before recovering to 10,48,051 in 2018 and 12,44,993 in 2019.
- 23 Sept, 07:00 pmSignal detected: Badrinath Dham Records 17.79 Lakh Pilgrims So Far This Year
Background
Badrinath, part of the Char Dham circuit in Chamoli district, draws lakhs of pilgrims annually during its seasonal opening period.