New Delhi: In Uttarakhand, the portals of Badrinath shrine were reopened for devotees on Saturday morning. The portals of the temple opened at 4:15 am amid chanting of Vedic hymns and elaborate rituals.

Thousands of pilgrims were present on the occasion. President Pranab Mukherjee visited the famous shrine today. Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the President's visit.

The portals of Badrinath shrine were closed for the winter when the area remains snowbound. The doors of Gangotri, Yamunotri and Kedarnath shrines were already opened for pilgrims. The Yatra remains suspended during winter owing to heavy snowfall.