New Delhi, Oct. 12 -- No mesmerizing pandals, no blaring music, no magical lights, yet the Pujas in the hills have a unique charm. A melting pot of different cultures and traditions, they make for an altogether different experience. None of the Pujas here struggle to find a footing, competing with each other vigorously to be declared a metropolis favourite. On the contrary, they complement each other, preserving the strong hill bond and echoing traditions of days bygone.
The Gorkhas celebrate Dashain falling in Sharad Ritu, which is also known as Bara Dashain, around the time when the rest of the state celebrates Durga Puja. "The preparation for Bara Dashain in the hills begins on the day of the new moon, when wheat and barley, known as Jamara, are sown in mud beds. This day is also known as Jamara Aunsi," stated Dipak Sharma, a resident of Darjeeling.
On this day, copper pitchers filled with water and decorated with flowers are placed in household altars. This ritual is known as Ghat Sthapana. From this day begins nine days of Puja, each day being dedicated to a form of the Goddess Durga. During the nine days, religious hymns like the Chandi and classical songs based on the Malshri Raga are sung. In villages, which are devoid of much entertainment, large swings known as Lingey Pings are erected on long bamboo poles. Girls and boys, mostly teenagers, swing on these swings singing folk songs.
On the seventh day, 'Phulpati' processions are taken out. 'Phulpati,' meaning flowers and leaves symbolising Goddess Durga, are placed on 'Dolis' or palanquins and carried in colourful processions around the locality. According to belief, the Phulpati is supposed to ward off and protect against all evils. The most important part of Phulpati is the 'Lakhey' dance, one of the oldest traditional dance forms of the hills.
Dancers wearing masks and carrying swords portray the mythological story of the slaying of the demon Mahishasura by Devi Durga. Small girls known as Kanya Devis are worshipped as forms of Durga, parallel to the Kumari Puja of the plains.
On the ninth day, popularly known as Mar, buffaloes and goats are sacrificed, symbolising the slaying of Mahishasura. Offerings are also made to ancestral deities or Kul and to ancestors known as Pitridev.
The main Dashain falls on Dashami or the tenth day. On this day, blessings are received from elders. The elders anoint the forehead with tika, consisting of rice grains, curd and sindoor or vermilion. Sprouts of barley and maize, or Jamara, sown on Jamara Aunsi, are placed behind the ears.
The rice grains of the tika, symbolising Brahma, are offered salutation by placing them on the forehead, while the wheat and barley sprouts symbolise prosperity and fertility. While giving blessings, mantras are chanted. These mantras are separate for males and females. The male is blessed with prayers for long life, health, power, wealth and wisdom, while the female is blessed with a mantra invoking Goddess Kali or Shakti. While taking blessings, the head has to be covered. Males usually wear the traditional Nepali topi or cap.
On Dashain, people visit the houses of relatives carrying gifts known as Shishar. People belonging to Brahmin and Chettri communities carry gifts consisting of milk, sweets and fruits, while the Rai, Limbu and other communities carry gifts consisting of meat and alcohol. Singing, dancing and family feasts remain an integral part of Dashain.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.