Badrinath, May 4 -- The sacred protals of Badrinath Dham were reopened for devotees on Sunday morning after remaining closed for six months, marking a spiritual moment for pilgrims and Uttarakhand.

Dharmadhikari of Badrinath Dham, Radha Krishna Thapliyal, described the occasion as deeply significant.

"Today is an important day because people wait for six months to pray in the temple. First prayers are offered for the well-being of everyone, then the pious portals of the Lord are opened. Uttarakhand Chief Minister prayed for the well-being of the state. Prime Minister and Uttarakhand CM perform 'poojan' here on behalf of the nation," he said.

He urged those unable to attend in person to offer their prayers mentally.

"Those who are not ...