Dehradun: Diwali is celebrated across the country, but in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, 11 days after Diwali, a unique folk festival called Igas Bagwal, or Budhi Diwali, is observed.
According to mythology, when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya from exile after defeating Ravana, people welcomed him by lighting lamps on Kartik Krishna Amavasya. On this occasion, PM Modi also extended his wishes for the people celebrating igas.
उत्तराखंड के मेरे परिवारजनों सहित सभी देशवासियों को इगास पर्व की बहुत-बहुत बधाई! दिल्ली में आज मुझे भी उत्तराखंड से लोकसभा सांसद अनिल बलूनी जी के यहां इस त्योहार में शामिल होने का सौभाग्य मिला। मेरी कामना है कि यह पर्व हर किसी के जीवन में सुख-समृद्धि और खुशहाली लाए।@anil_baluni pic.twitter.com/KERvqmB6eA
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 11, 2024
The news of Lord Ram’s return reached 11 days later in hills
However, in Garhwal, the news of Lord Rama’s return reached Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, 11 days after Diwali. The term “Igas” literally means Ekadashi, which is the 11th day. This delay is why the mountain people celebrate Diwali on Ekadashi as a folk festival, known as Igas Bagwal or Budhi Diwali. On this day, cows and bulls are worshipped, and everyone participates in the traditional Bhailo festivities at night.
Veer Madho Singh Bhandari story is intertwined with Igas
The story of Veer Madho Singh Bhandari, who was the commander of the army of king Mahipati Shah of Tehri, is also intertwined with the Igas festival and is reflected in the folk songs of Uttarakhand. it is believed that when Madho Singh Bhandari went to war with Tibet on the king’s orders with his brave soldiers, he did not return for a long time, leading people to believe they had all attained martyrdom. Bhandari participated in many battles with Tibet and ultimately achieved victory. Upon his return to Garhwal after 11 days, the king received the news and declared Diwali to be celebrated on Ekadashi. Since then, Igas Bagwal has been observed as a folk festival in the Garhwal region.
Igas festival has roots in Mahabharat period as well
Another legend ties the Igas festival to the Mahabharata period. It is said that Bhima, one of the Pandavas, was warned of an impending war by a demon. After battling for several days, Bhima returned victorious, and the Pandavas celebrated Deepotsav. This celebration is believed to be the origin of Igas.
Celebrations of Igas Bagwal
The festival includes playing Bhailo, prepared by bundling sesame, bhangjira, hisar, and dry pine wood tied with a special rope. On Bagwal day, Bhailo is worshipped, tilak is applied, and villagers gather to play with it, setting it on fire and carrying it around. Traditional songs and dances like Bhailo Re Bhailo, Kakhdi Ko Railu, and Ujyalu Aalo Andhero Bhaglu are performed, celebrating the Gods and Goddesses through Mangal and Jagar. To make bhailo, people would gather in groups to collect the lagle (vine) of Surmadi from the village. They would bring the resin-rich, highly flammable part of the pine tree after coating it. Besides pine, bhailo is also made from its peel.
Igas Diwali rituals and traditions deeply resonate with the culture of Uttarakhand
The celebration begins with a special puja, where communities gather to worship Bhairav Devta, their local deity, for protection and prosperity. Devotees also offer prayers to Mata Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, following local customs. Like the main Diwali, homes and temples are adorned with beautifully lit earthen diyas, creating a joyous atmosphere. A notable feature of Igas Diwali is the Pandava Dance, a traditional folk dance performed in many Uttarakhand villages. Rooted in the ancient Mahabharata, this dance pays tribute to the Pandavas.
Special feast is organized
On Ekadashi, a dish of sweet bitter gourd and red basmati rice is prepared. The Pahadi communities celebrate with local delicacies such as singal (a sweet dish made from wheat flour and curd), arisa (a type of sweet rice flour cake), and puri. A grand feast is organized for family and community members to honor the festival.
Tributes are paid to ancestors and soldiers who have significantly contributed to the nation’s defense
The festivities are incomplete without folk songs and dances. Villagers host vibrant processions with folk songs, instruments like dhol and damau, and performances that narrate mythological stories and local legends. Additionally, the festival honors the contributions of soldiers and warriors. In some regions, tributes are paid to ancestors and soldiers who have significantly contributed to the nation’s defense.
PM Modi celebrated Igas festival
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited MP Anil Baluni’s residence in Delhi to celebrate Uttarakhand’s folk festival, Igas Bagwal on Monday. PM Modi shared photos of the event on social media. During the celebration, he lit the holy fire and performed Gau Puja alongside Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev and Parmarth Niketan head Swami Chidanand Saraswati. The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President JP Nadda, and Union Minister Anupriya Patel. The Prime Minister praised Baluni’s efforts to preserve the ancient culture and festival. Baluni mentioned that he was inspired by the Prime Minister to revive this nearly forgotten festival.
