This is the spring time (Falgun) festival of the tribals is also known as Faguli Festival. In Kinnaur this is connected with Basant Panchami. On this day people shoot arrows at a portrait of Ravana drawn on a paper. It is a difficult exercise, and is known as killing Ravana. Dr. Vanshi Ram in his research theses on the folk literature of Kinnaur, says that many variations of this custom can be seen in the Kinnaur area. This is also known as 'burning the Lanka' (Lanka Dahan) and is celebrated for five days. The houses are cleaned and the monsoon gods are welcomed by name. There are many local stories about these rituals shooting of arrows at Ravana's portrait. If an arrow hits home,'it is taken to be a sign of the victory of gods over demons in the heaven. During this period, the villages turn very quiet. Even the blowing of conch-shells is forbidden because it might divert the attention of the gods engaged in a brave battle against the demons up in the heavens. Early in the morning, members of a certain family (they are to be chosen afresh each year) bring wood called 'Suskar Horing'. This is burnt in the evening in a cave. The roof of the cave is covered with lard (Foo) and barley is roasted below on the fire. If grains of barley jump up and cling to the roof of the cave, it is taken as a sign of good luck. At the end of this, the group of villages goes back to their viallage led by a man with Huri, followed by the Lankawalla who is followed by the Kittewalla, carrying the 'Doo'. After three rounds of the temple people try to snatch the 'Doo' which they feed to their animals. In some areas it is a festival of the Savanis and food is served to them for seven days. Faguli is a religious festival of Himachal Pradesh is celebrated with another festival called Basant Panchami by the tribal people of the state.
It is hard to note down details about all the feasts and festivals in the area. Almost each day finds women observing fasts, chief among which are Poomima, Nirjala Ekadashi, Pooja Chhat, Chandan Shashthi, Bhaiya Dooj, Govatsa Pooja, Santoshi Mata and Navratra. Fasting to please the Hoi Mata is supposed to bring great good luck. Almost each 'season and each form of, nature is celebrated, and this inculcates not only a sense of tradition, but also of community living, among the people. |