Hilljatra of Pithoragarh

Apart from being a symbol of religious belief and culture in the mountains, folklore has also become a great source of entertainment in Uttarakhand. Even today, the attachment of these festivals, whether urban or rural, has not decreased. One such festival that merges faith and entertainment in itself is the historic hilltop festival of Soar Valley Pithoragarh, which has been celebrated here for the last 600 years. The festival of Hilljatra has been celebrated in Pithoragarh with the same excitement and joy from the past 600 years. The hill society of Uttarakhand has been a society based on agriculture since ancient times, which is why most of the folk festivals here are also based on agriculture. The tradition of celebrating the month of Sawan as an agricultural festival has been going on for centuries in Soar Valley Pithoragarh.  This festival, which starts from Satu Aathoon, concludes as Hiljatra in Pithoragarh. This festival is celebrated only in Soar, Askot and Sira Parganas of Pithoragarh. But this Hilljatra actually started from Kumaur village in Pithoragarh district. The history of this hill station of Kumaur village is about 600 years old. It is believed that Hilljatra was originated from the Sorar region of West Nepal.

The Lakhia bhoot and two other characters of Hilljatra
Photo by - Amit Kalpasi

It is said that the King of Nepal, happy with the bravery of the four Mahar brothers of this village, gave these masks as a symbol of fame and prosperity in reward. Since then, this festival has been celebrated with great pomp in Shorighati Pithoragarh. There is another story Kuru, the representative of a Chand King, who went to Sorar, (Nepal) to participate in the Hilljatra, was able to sacrifice a buffalo with horns covering the neck. The people became happy and wanted to present Kuru a gift. Kuru thought of introducing this festival in Soar valley and asked for four masks, Lakhiabhoot, Halwaha, two bullocks, and one implement- the Nepali Plough. In this way Hilljatra was introduced in Pithoragarh.

Characters playing as bull and farmer
Source: Google

In this festival, dozens of characters like bull, deer, chital, lakhiya bhoot, coming to the ground with masks, thrill the audience. It also shows the agricultural love of the mountain. The festival concludes with the arrival of Lakhia Bhoot. Which is considered to be the colleague of Lord Shiva.

Lakhia bhoot in action, Kumour Pithoragarh
Photo by - Amit Kalpasi

Lakhia Bhoot is the biggest attraction of the fair in spite of its scary figure. Which, along with blessing people with happiness and prosperity, goes away promising to come next year. This festival, which has been celebrated for centuries, is celebrated every year with great joy. The younger generation of the village also seems eager to celebrate this historic festival.