The Annkut fair (Bhatuj) in Kedarnath is held every year on the night before Raksha Bandhan. Huge pilgrims attend the fair and take darshan of decorated shivlinga from midnight to 04:00 am in morning. Annkut fair is also held in Vishwanath temple in Guptkashi, Ghuneshwar temple in Lamgaundi and Kaleshwar temple in Ukhimath.
On this occasion, the self-styled Linga of Baba Kedar will be coated with rice, jangora and Koni grains. The doors of the temple open overnight for the devotees to visit the Kedarnath Temple. In the morning, the coat on the Swayambhu Ling will flow into the Mandakini River. According to religious beliefs, Lord Shiva eliminates toxins from grains.
Published Date: August 30, 2023