Kullu(Himachal Pradesh): The region of Devbhoomi is known for its festivals and traditions whose practice has been going on for centuries. Today we will tell you about one such festival Fagli which is celebrated in Lahaul and Spiti including Kullu-Manali.
Fagli: A unique festival to drive out the evil forces! Named after the month of Falgun, Fagli is celebrated on Falgun Sankranti for three to five days which symbolizes the ancient times of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu-Narayana. In the festival, songs are sung for the deities in a traditional manner with the sweet sound of Dhol, Nagade, Karnahli, Shehnai, Dafla, Bhana, Kansa and Kahului. Along with this, there is participation in Devakrida with the palanquin of Vishnu and Narayan.
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According to belief, a war broke out between the gods and demons. During the war, a dance was performed wearing masks of demons and abuses were made for them. In the valley, vulgar abuses are considered a part of the Fagli festival and in many places, women also sing vulgar abuses through songs. Therefore, it is not considered a bad omen.
It is believed that during the month of Magh, the deity goes to heaven and they return after the Falgun month. Once they return, the deities predict for the upcoming year which is called Barsoa i.e. the annual fruit. The Bala mask dance during Barsoa remains the centre of attraction. Some people dance by wearing a mask called Sharooli on their face to please the demons. People from the entire village gathered to watch the dance during which vulgar abuses are also given.
In the morning, the whole village gathers holding a spice in their hand to face the demons. During this time, people wearing masks are abused by villagers and evil forces are driven out of the village.
The tradition of throwing Daffodil flowers is also done on the last day of the festival. In the local language, the flower of daffodil is called Beeth. This unique tradition attracts everyone to the Fagli festival. In the Fagli festival, the masked deity keeps the daffodil flowers in a basket. Thousands of people throng the ground to catch this bunch of flowers and if flowers fall on someone's lap while dancing, it is considered to be lucky. It is believed that this brings happiness in a person's life.
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Everybody can participate in the Fagli festival, but local residents are given importance in catching this flower bunch. During the Fagli festival of 2019, Nargis flower came into the hands of a young man from another valley. It was disputed and he had to pay a fine of Rs 5100.
