Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/JYOTIRMATH (CHAMOLI)
In keeping with the age-old traditions of the Sri Badrinath Dham Yatra, the sacred Garud Chhad fair was held today at the revered Narsingh Temple in Joshimath. This annual religious ritual signifies the commencement of the formal process leading to the opening of the portals of the Badrinath Dham, one of the most venerated shrines in India.
The highlight of the ceremony involved the symbolic journey of Lord Vishnu’s idol, which was ceremoniously lowered from the Upper Bazaar to the Narsingh Temple using a wooden Garud — a representation of the divine mount of Lord Vishnu. Devotees safely received the idol upon its descent, chanting hymns and offering prayers in a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
The fair was organized under the aegis of the Dev Poojai Samiti. Committee President Bhuvan Chandra Uniyal emphasized the historical and religious importance of the tradition, noting that this ritual has been observed since ancient times and forms a crucial part of the Badrinath Yatra’s prelude. “It is believed that before the doors of the Badrinath temple open, Lord Vishnu symbolically begins his journey to the Dham seated on Garud,” he said.
The occasion witnessed the participation of several religious dignitaries including Badrinath’s Chief Priest (Rawal) Amarnath Namboodri, Dharmadhikari Radhakrishna Thapliyal, and former Dharmadhikari Bhuwan Uniyal. Hundreds of devotees also gathered to witness the sacred event and seek blessings.
With this ritual, preparations for the opening of the Badrinath Dham on May 4 are now formally underway, bringing a wave of devotion and anticipation among pilgrims from across the country. The fair concluded peacefully, echoing with chants and the spirit of faith.
