Dehradun: The festival of Diwali is celebrated across the country. In the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, Budhi Diwali is celebrated as a folk festival 11 days after Diwali, which is called Igas Bagwal. According to mythological belief, when Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya from exile after killing Ravana, people welcomed him by lighting lamps on Kartik Krishna Amavasya, whereas in the Garhwal region, the news of Lord Ram’s return was spread on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, 11 days after Diwali. Was found. This is the reason why the mountain people expressed happiness over this and celebrated Ekadashi as a folk festival of Diwali which is called ‘Igas Bagwal or Budhi Diwali. Cow and bull are worshiped on this day and at night everyone plays traditional Bhailo together.
Meaning and tradition of Igas
While giving information to Local 18, cultural worker folk singer Chandra Dutt Suyal of Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, said that Igas literally means Ekadashi on the 11th day. He told that when Lord Shri Ram had killed Ravana, it took 11 days for this information to reach the mountains and at that time people celebrated by lighting ghee lamps, that is why it is also called Budhi Diwali.
The story is also related to Veer Madho Singh Bhandari
Chandra Dutt Suyal said that the story of Veer Madho Singh Bhandari is also associated with the Igas festival. It is also mentioned in the folk songs of Uttarakhand. A popular folk song of Uttarakhand goes, “Barah e Gaini, Bagwali.” Mero Madho ni aayi, Solah Aini Shraddha Mero madho ni aayi.” In this, Madho Singh Bhandari’s mother narrates the pain of her son not returning from the Tibetan war for a long time. The meaning of this folk song is, “12 Bagwals (Diwali) have passed, but my Madho Singh has not come. 16 Shraddhas have gone, but Madho Singh has not come.”
It is believed that when Madho Singh Bhandari went to war with his brave soldiers from Tibet on the orders of the king, he did not return for a long time. People felt that everyone had attained martyrdom. Madho Singh Bhandari took part in many wars with Tibet and ultimately won. After this, when he returned to Garhwal after 11 days. When the king received this news, he announced to celebrate Diwali on Ekadashi. From then till now, Igas Bagwal is celebrated as a folk festival in the Garhwal region.
Tags: Dehradun news, Local18, Special Project, Uttarakhand news
FIRST PUBLISHED : November 6, 2024, 7:03 PM IST
