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Yes, you heard it right. People in some areas of Himachal Pradesh celebrate Diwali a month later which is commonly known as Budhi Diwali. Let's get to know a little more about Budhi Diwali.
Origins of Budhi Diwali
In the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh, a unique version of Diwali is celebrated, known as Budhi Diwali or Old Diwali. This festival is observed in various regions such as Kullu, Shimla, and Sirmaur, and occurs a month after the widely celebrated Diwali.
It is typically held in December and showcases the Himachali culture's distinctive elements, traditional rituals, and close-knit community values. Its origins are deeply rooted in folklore and religious history.
According to legend, while most of India was celebrating Lord Ram’s victorious return after defeating Ravana, the news didn’t reach the villages of Himachal Pradesh immediately due to the mountainous landscape and isolated communities.
By the time the villagers learned of the event, some time had passed, so they decided to celebrate Diwali a month later which came to be known as Budhi or Old Diwali.
However, the villagers of Sangrah & Shilai blocks have a different origin to Budhi Diwali. They believe it is Mahabharat from which the festival began. Here, people celebrate the Pandavs' triumph over the Kouravs with joy.
The Budhi Diwali celebration is held with great splendor in several villages, including Drabil. Legend has it that the celebration honors the coronation of Dharamraj Yudhishtra as king following the Pandvas' triumph against the Kourav Sena.
Celebrations
Each area has their own distinct ways to celebrate Budhi Diwali reflecting a rich blend of customs and traditions. However, there are some of the common elements in each area's celebrations.
Lighting large bonfires is a central feature of Budhi Diwali, symbolizing the cleansing of negative energies and welcoming of positivity. Communities gather around the bonfire, sharing stories, singing folk songs, and dancing together in celebration.
The Himachali Nati dance is another focal point of the festival, with men and women wearing traditional attire and dancing around the bonfire in a synchronized and rhythmic pattern. The dance adds energy and joy to the celebrations and is a source of pride for the community.
No celebration is complete without a feast, and Budhi Diwali is no exception. Locally made delicacies such as siddu, patrode, and other traditional dishes are shared among friends and family, symbolizing unity and abundance.
Animals are an integral part of hilly regions. Hence, the festival celebrations also include rituals honoring livestock animals such as sheep and goats for their role in supporting the community’s livelihood.
The festivities do not include the use of firecrackers unlike the usual diwali celebrations we are used to. They use bonfires instead that carry spiritual and social significance.
Communal Celebrations
Unlike the modern day celebrations of Diwali in urban areas where people only celebrate with the 3-4 members of their house members and sometimes not even that, Budhi Diwali of Himachal Pradesh still keeps the communal spirit of the festival alive.
All the people of the area come together to celebrate this festival and even the younger generations are actively involved in the celebrations, which is vital in preserving the festival’s age-old customs and rituals.
In villages that are often remote, Budhi Diwali provides an opportunity for communities to come together, strengthening bonds after a long year of hard work. It also acts as a reminder of the villagers’ shared heritage and values, passing down local customs to future generations.
Final Thoughts
Origins of Budhi Diwali
In the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh, a unique version of Diwali is celebrated, known as Budhi Diwali or Old Diwali. This festival is observed in various regions such as Kullu, Shimla, and Sirmaur, and occurs a month after the widely celebrated Diwali.
It is typically held in December and showcases the Himachali culture's distinctive elements, traditional rituals, and close-knit community values. Its origins are deeply rooted in folklore and religious history.
According to legend, while most of India was celebrating Lord Ram’s victorious return after defeating Ravana, the news didn’t reach the villages of Himachal Pradesh immediately due to the mountainous landscape and isolated communities.
By the time the villagers learned of the event, some time had passed, so they decided to celebrate Diwali a month later which came to be known as Budhi or Old Diwali.
However, the villagers of Sangrah & Shilai blocks have a different origin to Budhi Diwali. They believe it is Mahabharat from which the festival began. Here, people celebrate the Pandavs' triumph over the Kouravs with joy.
The Budhi Diwali celebration is held with great splendor in several villages, including Drabil. Legend has it that the celebration honors the coronation of Dharamraj Yudhishtra as king following the Pandvas' triumph against the Kourav Sena.
Celebrations
Each area has their own distinct ways to celebrate Budhi Diwali reflecting a rich blend of customs and traditions. However, there are some of the common elements in each area's celebrations.
Lighting large bonfires is a central feature of Budhi Diwali, symbolizing the cleansing of negative energies and welcoming of positivity. Communities gather around the bonfire, sharing stories, singing folk songs, and dancing together in celebration.
The Himachali Nati dance is another focal point of the festival, with men and women wearing traditional attire and dancing around the bonfire in a synchronized and rhythmic pattern. The dance adds energy and joy to the celebrations and is a source of pride for the community.
No celebration is complete without a feast, and Budhi Diwali is no exception. Locally made delicacies such as siddu, patrode, and other traditional dishes are shared among friends and family, symbolizing unity and abundance.
Animals are an integral part of hilly regions. Hence, the festival celebrations also include rituals honoring livestock animals such as sheep and goats for their role in supporting the community’s livelihood.
The festivities do not include the use of firecrackers unlike the usual diwali celebrations we are used to. They use bonfires instead that carry spiritual and social significance.
Communal Celebrations
Unlike the modern day celebrations of Diwali in urban areas where people only celebrate with the 3-4 members of their house members and sometimes not even that, Budhi Diwali of Himachal Pradesh still keeps the communal spirit of the festival alive.
All the people of the area come together to celebrate this festival and even the younger generations are actively involved in the celebrations, which is vital in preserving the festival’s age-old customs and rituals.
In villages that are often remote, Budhi Diwali provides an opportunity for communities to come together, strengthening bonds after a long year of hard work. It also acts as a reminder of the villagers’ shared heritage and values, passing down local customs to future generations.
Final Thoughts
Budhi Diwali is a beautiful expression of Himachal Pradesh’s cultural depth and community-centered traditions. For locals, Budhi Diwali is a time to reaffirm community values and enjoy the warmth of togetherness, ensuring that the essence of this unique festival remains alive in the heart of Himachal Pradesh.
As modernization reaches even the remotest villages, Budhi Diwali keeps these values alive, engaging the younger generations in traditions passed down through centuries.
Cultural groups and local leaders are also putting effort into promoting and supporting these traditional practices so they continue for generations. With growing interest, Budhi Diwali has also started drawing visitors eager to experience the traditional Himachali way of celebrating Diwali.
Written by Suhaanei
This article has been authored exclusively by the writer and is being presented on Eat My News, which serves as a platform for the community to voice their perspectives. As an entity, Eat My News cannot be held liable for the content or its accuracy. The views expressed in this article solely pertain to the author or writer. For further queries about the article or its content you can contact on this email address - suhaanei2765@gmail.com
As modernization reaches even the remotest villages, Budhi Diwali keeps these values alive, engaging the younger generations in traditions passed down through centuries.
Cultural groups and local leaders are also putting effort into promoting and supporting these traditional practices so they continue for generations. With growing interest, Budhi Diwali has also started drawing visitors eager to experience the traditional Himachali way of celebrating Diwali.
Written by Suhaanei
This article has been authored exclusively by the writer and is being presented on Eat My News, which serves as a platform for the community to voice their perspectives. As an entity, Eat My News cannot be held liable for the content or its accuracy. The views expressed in this article solely pertain to the author or writer. For further queries about the article or its content you can contact on this email address - suhaanei2765@gmail.com
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