Narendarnagar, Gaadughadi a ritual, commencing the opening of the Badrinath Shrine is being nursed and nurtured by the royal family of Garhwal in Narendranagar Palace, home to the erst-while rajahs of Tehri Garhwal with equal fervor as it were in the past.
Today, beating of drums welcomes the visitor to a tradition as old as the shrines of Garhwal Himalayas. Its the first ceremony heralding the opening of the Badrinath shrine. Gaadughadi, the extracting of sesame oil in the open courtyard by married womenfolk from nearby villages and some from as far as Rishikesh flock to the palace to partake in this age-old custom of collecting precious sesame oil that will be put into use to smear Lord Badrinath throughout the year.
Telling us more the raj purohit says, “It is the Maharani from the royal family who begins the ritual. After which married women join in the activity of sifting, pounding, kneading and extracting sesame oil.”
Handed down from generation to generation by the Kings of Garhwal and purohit of the Badrinath temple, this tradition holds a special place in the lives of women here. They turn out in all their finery, wearing yellow, a colour associated with Lord Vishnu/Badri. This revered ceremony begins at day break. Women dressed in yellow sing traditional songs, grinding and pounding the black sesame seeds, in sync with one another.
Over the years, Gaadu Ghaddi has gained popularity among young women, a positive sign that this tradition will live on. An delighted Tikashah Shrija added, “I think it is because of their vishvaas (belief) I find the younger generation taking part with such enthusiasm. It is very heartening to see and I hope this ritual will continue forever. ”
God and Goddesses; myths and legends; fable and folklore all come and mingle here in courtyard of the erst-while king of Tehri Garhwal. A ritual of such rare beauty that its most cynical of audience undergoes a divine experience.
