Shaant Yagya: A Homecoming for The Festival of Himalayas

Snowclad Darkhul the seat of Devta Gudaru 

Ball had started rolling for the upcoming festival of Shaant – The Festival of the Hills, at my native village of Diswani, ever since Pratishtha (in Pahari dialect: Patishta) of Devta Gudaru of Diswani was done at the revered sanctum of Darkhul in January 2009.

Whole village had contributed to the re-construction of the Darkhul, and it was only over in later end of the year 2008 and on January 6th to 8th, 2009 village hosted celebration of Pratishtha Yagya by inviting Devtas from nearby villages.

But the three day Yagya last held in December 1968, has its inception, centuries back, from the same very village, so this festival is homecoming of the tradition of Shaant Yagya celebrated in Rohru region of the erstwhile Shimla hill state. Another village in the Rohru region hosted this festival in 2014 (See Pic)

Shaant Yagya at Devidar village, 2014 | Shimla Life

I am humbled by the words of my elders, who while speaking about the significance of this festival have me told me that this yagya seeks welfare, peace and prosperity to all. As the name suggest in Sanskrit 'Shaant' means 'at peace'. The celebration shall be in the Shaivaite tradition of Himalayas country and deities shall be honoured with three day long Yagya, along with sacrifice. People will celebrate this occasion no less than celebrations of marriage in every household welcome anyone and everyone to their house. "No-one should stay hungry", declared one of our village elder, "for these three days. It will be a test of our village as gracious hosts."

First day called the Sangheda, will welcome devotees, guest Khoond (village tribes) and their invited village deities; second day named Shikha-Pher will have two of the invited village deities taking roles of leading ceremony of Shika and Pher. Shikha Poojan will be done on the top of the Darkhul (see pic) and Pher  or the Parikrama of whole village will have designate village deity cover the whole village to secure it. And final day of Uchhadpachhadi will see final ceremony in the lawns of Darkhul on 10th December, following which all devotees shall lead to their respective places.

And just like you loved ones who stay long, we also want them to sleep-over. Some of the village trible and the village deity can and many a time do stay in Darkhul as guest.

Shaant Dates: 8,9,10 January 2017

Full Address: Diswani village, Rohru, Distt Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

People’s President

I wrote this article a year ago before the President elections in July 2012, checked it couple of days ago, and thought of sharing with everyone.

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

Just finished watching ‘I am Kalam’ – the movie. Impressed by its subject – genuine, emotional, touching – as it really had that feel of ever inspiring aura named ‘Abdul Kalam’.

Looking at the present situation of the President election, I am pained and fear that we might have to wait another 50 years before any new Kalam shall emerge in Rashtrapati Bhawan, to be able to inspire us. Thought I don’t have any contempt for any of the personalities to have occupied Rashtrapati Bhawan or those who are in electoral battle for this post.

My idea of the first citizen in a Westminster based parliamentary democracy is of having someone who is capable of garnering that respect, command aspiration to greater heights, and has aura to inspire millions to whom a PM, tens of Ministers, hundreds of MP & MLA could feel honoured to work under. He must be person whom even politicians too find a source of passion to work for its people. A president is not suppose to run cabinet, not suppose to legislate in parliament, not suppose to fight on borders not even suppose to run ministries in New Delhi; he is suppose to make us dream bigger and shall make us believe ‘all shall be fine’ when crisis are overlooking us.

Who else, in my dreams I have seen doing?

Kalam, certainly; still same skinny, old man but young at heart, shining grey hair but childlike curiosity, in the system but un-fazed by the corruption ridden system, on duty 24x7 to spread his ideas for a vibrant nation.

Post Script: Now, after a year or so, when I look at the present Rashtrapati Bhawan, it is same as pre-Kalam era Rashtrapati Bhawan. And, Kalam is still visiting schools, colleges inspiring youth to dream big and dream for our nation. What I can conclude here is a question in front of us. Is it the post he didn’t regain or the love or affection which he commands across length and breadth of India, which makes him the ‘People’s President’.

Photo Credit: greatindiannews.wordpress.com