Attending these festivals allows devotees to connect with the region’s religious and cultural practices in a deeper way. Whether it’s a grand religious event or a lively cultural festival, each occasion offers a unique opportunity to experience the energy and joy that fills the air. Pilgrims visiting Badrinath can partake in the sacred darshan of the Badrinath Temple while also enjoying the local festivities, making their visit an unforgettable blend of devotion and celebration.
1. Badri – Kedar Festival
Month: (May-June)
The Badri-Kedar Festival is one of the most significant cultural events in the region, celebrated with great enthusiasm. The festival lasts for eight days, with artists from across the country performing during the event. Held every year in June, this vibrant celebration fills the entire valley with a positive and lively atmosphere. It beautifully blends religious rituals with cultural performances, including folk music, traditional dances, and other local customs. Devotees visiting Badrinath during this time can participate in the festivities, enjoy the cultural programs, and immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions of Uttarakhand. The festival brings together spirituality and culture, offering a memorable experience for all who attend.
2. Makar Sankranti
Month: (Jan)
Makar Sankranti, celebrated when the Sun enters Capricorn (Makar), is a vibrant Hindu festival marked with great enthusiasm in Badrinath. During this time, the gates of Adi Badri, one of the Panch Badri temples, are opened for public darshan, allowing pilgrims to offer prayers. Special pujas are held, drawing devotees, especially from nearby villages. While the main Badrinath Temple remains closed due to heavy snowfall, Adi Badri becomes a key site for worshiping Lord Vishnu. This festival symbolizes new beginnings and spiritual renewal, making it an important event for both locals and pilgrims.
3. Mata Murti Festival
Month: (Sep)
The Mata Murti Festival, is the most prominent festival celebrated at the Badrinath Temple. It honors Mata Murti, the mother of Lord Badrinath, and marks the descent of the River Ganges onto mother earth. Celebrated during Vaman Dwadashi in September, the festival includes special rituals, prayers, and a grand procession where Lord Badrinath visits the Mata Murti temple in Mana village. The temple remains closed for regular darshan as devotees gather for the occasion, which also features cultural programs and a lively Mela (fair). It is a time for pilgrims to deepen their spiritual connection with Lord Vishnu and his divine mother, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
4. Krishna Janmashtami
Month: (Aug)
Krishna Janmashtami in Badrinath celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna with great devotion and fervor. Held in August or September, the festival includes special rituals, prayers, and bhajans at the Badrinath Temple, with the midnight prayer marking the highlight of the day. Devotees offer flowers, light diyas, and chant mantras to honor Krishna. The idol of the temple’s presiding deity, Lord Vishnu, is beautifully decorated with garlands and flowers. The serene atmosphere of Badrinath, surrounded by the Himalayas, adds a unique spiritual charm, making it a deeply enriching experience for pilgrims.
5. Badrinath Kapat Opening Ceremony
Month: (Apr-May)
The Badrinath Kapat Opening Ceremony marks the reopening of the Badrinath Temple after the winter months, typically held in April or May. During this grand event, the temple doors are ceremoniously unlocked, and the idol of Lord Badrinath is brought from Jyotirmath (Joshimath) to be placed back in the temple for devotees’ darshan. The ceremony includes special rituals, prayers, and aarti, with the temple beautifully decorated and a festive procession. The opening signifies the start of the Char Dham Yatra, drawing pilgrims from all over India to witness the auspicious occasion and seek divine blessings.
6. Diwali – Badrinath Kapat Closing Ceremony
Month: (Nov)
Diwali in Badrinath is celebrated with immense joy, as it coincides with the Badrinath Kapat Closing Ceremony. The temple is adorned with flowers and lights, creating a colorful and festive ambiance. Traditional songs, chants, and devotional processions enhance the spiritual atmosphere. The closing of the temple marks the conclusion of the Char Dham Yatra, filling the town with a sense of peace and devotion. This unique celebration blends the spiritual significance of Diwali with the transition into the winter season. Pilgrims looking for a different and more serene experience can plan their Badrinath yatra during this time, enjoying a special and joyful darshan amid the festive atmosphere.
