Faguli
This is the spring time (Falgun) festival of the tribals. In Kinnaur this
is connected with Basant Panchami. On this day people shoot arrows at
a portrait of Ravana drawn on a paper. The houses are cleaned and the
monsoon gods are welcomed by name.
There are many local stories about
these ritual 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. The blowing of conchshells 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 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 villagers goes back to their village 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 fed to their animals. In some areas it is a festival of the Savani's
and food is served to them for seven days. |
