📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Vishwanath Negi
Religion
Two Rajasthan Sisters Die While Performing 108-Dip Ritual in Badrinath
✍️ Bhaskar English
🗓 11 Sep 2026, 02:34 PM
👁 43
Two sisters from Rajasthan lost their lives after collapsing in the holy pool at Badrinath while attempting the traditional 108‑dip ritual.
Local police in Chamoli district said two young women from Rajasthan were found dead in the sacred pool at Badrinath after they became unconscious while attempting the traditional 108‑dip pilgrimage ritual. The incident was reported by temple authorities who immediately called for medical and rescue assistance.
The 108‑dip ceremony, a common practice among Hindu pilgrims, involves bathing repeatedly in the river or pool believed to cleanse sins. The sisters were on a pilgrimage to the Badrinath shrine when they began the ritual, according to eyewitnesses.
Authorities have not released the victims' names, citing family privacy, but confirmed that both were residents of Rajasthan and were travelling together as part of a larger group of pilgrims.
Rescue teams recovered the bodies and are conducting a preliminary investigation to determine whether factors such as cold water temperature, altitude or health conditions contributed to the tragedy. No foul play has been reported.
The incident has prompted local officials to remind pilgrims of safety precautions at high‑altitude water sites, especially during cold weather, and to consider additional signage and monitoring at popular bathing spots.
The 108‑dip ceremony, a common practice among Hindu pilgrims, involves bathing repeatedly in the river or pool believed to cleanse sins. The sisters were on a pilgrimage to the Badrinath shrine when they began the ritual, according to eyewitnesses.
Authorities have not released the victims' names, citing family privacy, but confirmed that both were residents of Rajasthan and were travelling together as part of a larger group of pilgrims.
Rescue teams recovered the bodies and are conducting a preliminary investigation to determine whether factors such as cold water temperature, altitude or health conditions contributed to the tragedy. No foul play has been reported.
The incident has prompted local officials to remind pilgrims of safety precautions at high‑altitude water sites, especially during cold weather, and to consider additional signage and monitoring at popular bathing spots.