Badrinath Dham in Uttarakhand has recorded its highest-ever annual pilgrim footfall, with 17,79,805 devotees visiting the shrine by September 22, 2026. The figure was reached in just 153 days since this year’s yatra began on April 23, surpassing the previous annual record even though the pilgrimage season is still underway.
According to Tourism Department figures cited by the Uttarakhand government, Badrinath received 17,78,298 pilgrims in 2025, while the previous high was 17,80,429 in 2023. This year’s tally has already crossed last year’s figure, with the shrine expected to continue receiving devotees for several more weeks.
The pilgrimage has seen a major recovery and sustained growth following the disruptions caused by the 2014 disaster and the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitor numbers rose from 1,55,055 in 2020 and 1,99,409 in 2021 to more than 17.63 lakh in 2022.
On September 22 alone, 6,685 devotees reportedly visited the shrine. Authorities said improving weather conditions could support further growth in daily pilgrim numbers during the remaining part of the season.
With the yatra continuing, attention is also being placed on health, security and pilgrim facilities at Badrinath and along the travel route. Uttarakhand authorities have said arrangements are being strengthened to manage the large number of devotees and provide improved facilities during the second phase of the Char Dham pilgrimage.
The record comes as Badrinath continues to attract pilgrims from across India and abroad, reinforcing its importance as one of the major destinations of the Char Dham Yatra.
