Badrinath: The second phase of the Badrinath pilgrimage is gaining momentum as the monsoon slows down, with around 4,000 to 5,000 pilgrims now reaching the shrine every day. The rising footfall has prompted the police, administration and Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) to step up arrangements at the temple and surrounding areas.
More than 17.70 lakh pilgrims have already visited Badrinath Dham this year. With the second phase of the pilgrimage gaining pace, activity has increased around the temple complex, with crowds visible along the temple route and near Tapt Kund.
The number of devotees performing pind daan and tarpan at Brahma Kapal has also increased. Despite the monsoon, pilgrimage activity continued through the rainy season, and the reduction in rainfall is now bringing more visitors to the shrine.
If the current pace continues, Badrinath could record its highest-ever pilgrim footfall this year. BKTC Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangar said the number of pilgrims was increasing and arrangements were being strengthened accordingly.
Rangar said the temple committee expects a new record in pilgrim numbers this year. He added that the BKTC has so far received around Rs 40 crore in revenue.
Pilgrims being routed through new bridge
With the increase in pilgrim traffic, the administration has restored the earlier movement plan to manage crowds near the temple. Pilgrims heading towards the shrine are now being routed through the new bridge, while those returning after darshan are being directed through the old bridge.
The same arrangement had been introduced during the initial phase of the pilgrimage to regulate movement. However, when pilgrim numbers declined during the monsoon, two-way movement was allowed through the old bridge.
With the increase in daily footfall, the earlier one-way arrangement has now been reinstated to facilitate smoother movement and crowd management.
