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Kullu as seen from Bhekhli village. Photo Credit: Affinor

Villagers in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh have a tradition of celebrating Boodhee Diwali (or, the old Diwali) that is distinct from the Diwali, the festival of lights, observed across the country in Ashwin month of Hindu almanac.

Recently, the week-long Boodhee Diwali festival was celebrated by a large number of people from at least 20 villages here at Nirmand Village of Himachal Pradesh. It is the biggest village in Kullu District.

"Boodhee Diwali is said to be an ancient fair of Nirmand and symbolizes victory of good over evil. This local culture symbolizes victory of Gods. The administration has taken many steps to promote Boodhee Diwali," said Sanjeev Negi, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Anni Division, Kullu.

Legend has it that Boodhee Diwali is held to mark the killing of demon king Vritasur, who wanted to control fire and water. Fearing his bad intentions, the Gods killed him. His killing saved the universe. This big celebration of this significant day was later termed as Boodhee Diwali.

During the festival, villagers participated in “Kavya” (or, the singing of vintage songs), in which two teams, one representing the Gods and the other, Vritasur, were involved in a verbal fight and folk music is played.

"Boodhee Diwali starts every year at around 11 p.m on the Amavasya (new moon day) of Hindu month Margsheesh (December) when at first the program starts with five Rotth, means five logs are brought from forest and worshipped. Saptrishi (seven sages), Taramandal (Cosmos), Baliraj (King Bali) and other Gods are appeased by villagers,” said Deepak Sharma, a local of Nirmand Village.

The festival is celebrated with devotion as well as much enthusiasm.

Boodhee Diwali is observed mainly by the followers of sage Parusharama who is believed to have lived in Himachal Pradesh and worshipped Lord Shiva.

The Kaviri family of Nirmand keeps fast on that day and worships, after that our Boodhee Diwali starts," said Deepak Sharma.

During the day, a rope symbolizing evil spirit is worshipped. It is shaped like a snake and made of grass. Two priests would chant songs and dance around it. Later, they would take the rope and cut it in the field declaring the killing of the evil.

Series of bonfire and oracle sessions mark the celebrations of Boodhee Diwali, which is hailed with much fervor after a month of the first Diwali.

A large number of villagers, irrespective of caste and creed, arrive here in large numbers and celebrate it by dancing and singing around a bonfire the entire night. (ANI)

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