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Villagers in Himachal Pradesh celebrating Budhi Diwali
by Nagendra Ratna

     Nirmad (Himachal Pradesh): People in Himachal Pradesh celebrate Diwali festival twice. Once, it is celebrated as the festival of lights. But on second occasion, it is marked as Budhi Diwali or, old Diwali. People in Kullu, Kinnaur, Sirmaur and Shimla Districts of Himachal Pradesh have been celebrating it for centuries. 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 during night. "It is an ancient festival and celebrated with complete traditional fervour. There is no communal difference in caste and creed in this festival," said Lochan Singh, Secretary, Budhi Diwali Festival Committee. Legend has it the festival marks the victory of Gods over the demon king Vritasur who wanted take control of fire and water. "Demon King Vritasur wanted to control fire and water. Fearing his intentions to misuse fire and water, the Gods decided to kill him. And, after killing him it is said that the universe could be saved and thus stated the trend of marking the day as Budhi festival," said Kulwant Kashyap, the coordinator of Budhi Diwali Festival Committee. People from at least 20 villages participate in the seven-day long festival and sing vintage songs named Kavya. During this Kavya, two teams, one representing the Gods and the other Vritasur, are involved in a verbal fight and the folk music is played. During the day, a rope shaped like a snake and made of grass is worshipped. It represents the evil spirit. Two priests would chant songs and dance around it. Later, they would take the rope and cut it in the field to represent the killing of evil. Mainly, Budhi festival is marked by followers of sage Parusharam who is believed to have lived in Himachal Pradesh to worship Lord Shiva. Women in large numbers participate in the cultural programmes organised on this occasion.
-Nov 24, 2006