Like most hill stations, festivals are parts of life in Kangra. In olden days when communication was difficult and life was monotonous, these festivals helped to bring in cheer. Even today they have not losttheir relevance. The residents of Kangra celebrate all pan-India as well as local festivals with gusto. However, in this article we will try to discuss some of the unique festivals of this region.
Makar Sankranti in Kangra
Although Makar Sankranti is an all-India festival it is celebrated a little differently in Kangra. It is said that Mata Barjeshwari got herself hurt while fighting the great Demon Mahishashura. To cure herself she applied ghee or clarified butter on her wound and it soon healed. During the Makar Sankranti a big fair is held at the Brajeshwari temple for seven days and special puja is also offered to the deity. Butter sculptures, flower decorations are as much part of the festivals as are holy dips at the Ban Ganga. Bhajans or hymns to the deity too add to gaiety.Shivaratri and Navaratri at Kangra
Shivaratri is another all-India festival celebrated little differently in Kangra. This festival is as much significant for the people here as for the temples of the town. While most keep fast throughout the day and offer their puja to Lord Shiva at night there is another unique aspect of it. Images of Lord Shiva and Mata Parbati are made either with clay or with cow dung. The idols are then worshiped with greatest devotion. Songs are also sung in praise of the lord Shiva and His Consort Mata Parbati. In all, Shivaratri is an example of a festival that combines devotion and piousness with gaiety.Navaratri is also another important all-India festival celebrated with gaiety in Kangra. Out of the nine days, the Durga Ashtami holds special significance for the people here. On that day devotees go to offer puja at the local Durga Temple.
Chet at Kangra
Chet, also known as Dholru, is an important festival for the people here. In Kangra, Hamirpur and Bilaspur, the festival takes place on the first day of the month of Chet. In Kangra, the festival is celebrated so as to drive away all that is bad and to usher in prosperity and happiness. Dholru, a special genre of songs, are sung on this occasion.Spring Festival in Kangra
Unlike the above mentioned festival, the Spring Festival is typical festival of Kangra. It is generally celebrated in March/April, ten days prior to the Baisakhi or Biswa. Young unmarried girls make figurine of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati ; they then worship them for ten consecutive days. They also put on their best dress and gather around a heap of grass. They then sing and dance around that heap adding gaiety to the occasion. On the Baishakhi day the figurines are immersed in a pond or a river.
