Revival of Bhunda Maha Yagya in Spail Valley After 40 Years: A Grand Religious Celebration.
Shimla:
The Spail Valley in Shimla’s Rohru subdivision witnessed a remarkable religious revival from January 2 to 5 this year as the historic Bhunda Maha Yagya was celebrated with traditional fervor after a hiatus of nearly 40 years. This four-day event brought together numerous deities, thousands of devotees, and vibrant cultural rituals that have been a part of the valley’s heritage for centuries.
A Grand Gathering of Deities and Devotees
The festival kicked off with a captivating ceremony known as Sanghera on January 2, where prominent deities of the region, including Devta Maheshwar from Summerkot, Devta Bondra from Bachhunchh, and Devta Mohrish from Rantari, made their way to Dalgaon village. This annual gathering of deities, accompanied by palanquins carried by devotees, was a sight to behold. Thousands of devotees from various regions set up temporary camps in Dalgaon for the duration of the festival, where they stayed and participated in the religious rituals.
The deities were warmly welcomed by the organizing committee, marking the start of a significant spiritual and cultural event for the region. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and devotion as the religious festivities unfolded.
Shikha Fer: A Ritual of Protection
On the second day, the festival reached its spiritual height with Shikha Fer, a local tradition where the deities, along with their followers, roam the site to mark a protective line around the area. This ceremony symbolizes the safeguarding of all participants in the event, and religious Puja was performed to seek divine blessings for a safe and successful festival. In previous years, the ritual also involved the sacrifice of goats and sheep as offerings to appease the deities, though such practices are no longer followed.
The Thrill of the Beda Ceremony
The third day of the festival was dedicated to the much-anticipated Beda ceremony, a daring and life-threatening act that forms the main highlight of Bhunda Maha Yagya. The Beda, a man chosen for his bravery, slides down a single rope from a hilltop to the ground in a split second. Despite being a non-professional, the act requires incredible skill and courage, making it both thrilling and perilous.
In past years, the event earned a notorious reputation, and was even referred to as Narmedh Yagya due to the human sacrifice that was once associated with it. Tragically, there had been fatalities during previous performances, adding a layer of apprehension to this already dangerous ritual.
This year, however, the Beda ceremony faced an unexpected setback. The special grass rope known as Munj, traditionally used for the ceremony, broke just before the event, much to the dismay of the organizers and onlookers. Nonetheless, the ceremony was performed, albeit with a shortened distance between the hilltop and the ground, ensuring the safety of the participant. Despite the technical glitch, the event retained its magical allure, leaving the gathered crowd in awe.
The Departure: Uchhad Pachhad
On the fourth and final day, the religious festivities concluded with Uchhad Pachhad, a departure ceremony where the deities and their followers returned to their respective homes. This ritual marks the official end of the Bhunda Maha Yagya, with devotees bidding farewell to the deities who had blessed the festival. On January 5, the deities and their followers made their way back, completing a sacred journey that had brought them closer to their divine patrons.
A Monumental Celebration
Organizing the Bhunda Maha Yagya is no small feat. The event, considered one of the most significant religious festivals in the region, saw a massive expenditure of over 100 crore rupees, contributed by the local residents. The scale of the celebration was matched by the turnout, with over 100,000 visitors attending from various corners of the region and beyond, witnessing the grandeur of this cultural and religious spectacle.
The last instances of Bhunda Maha Yagya were held in 1995 in Summerkot Valley and in 2004 in Bachhunchh village. The recent revival of this event in Dalgaon village, after 40 long years, has rekindled the region’s cultural heritage and brought the community together in an unforgettable display of devotion and tradition.
In conclusion, the Bhunda Maha Yagya has not only revived the religious spirit of the region but also showcased the deep cultural roots that have survived generations. As the echoes of this grand event fade into history, the people of Spail Valley will continue to cherish this grand celebration, hoping that the festival will once again return, perhaps sooner than another 40 years.