Subhash Mahajan
Chamba: The Gorkha community in Chamba has begun its vibrant five-day Holi festival, a celebration deeply rooted in their traditions and faith. The festivities started on Monday, with rituals that reflect devotion and familial bonds.
The first day of the festival begins at dawn when Gorkha women gather under the sacred Amla tree to perform prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Saraswati. This marks the formal commencement of Holi.
Meanwhile, at home, the eldest family members lead the puja by offering prayers to the Kuldevi (family deity) and other household gods. The deities are adorned with red gulal, symbolizing the onset of the festival.
After the prayers, the head of the family applies abir (colored powder) in red, green, and yellow on the foreheads of family members, blessing them with prosperity and happiness. This sacred Holi tikka continues for five days, during which relatives visit each other’s homes to receive blessings from elders.
The Gorkha community places great importance on Holi, and their festivities begin five days before the main event. These days are filled with warmth and togetherness, as people visit their extended families, exchange tikka, and share traditional sweets such as gujiya, matthi, rasgulla, sel roti, and rasa bhari khajur ki mithai.
On the fifth night, the grand Holika Dahan ritual takes place. The next day, the entire community joins in joyous celebrations, visiting each other’s homes, singing, and dancing.
The festival is a time of unity, where young and old alike immerse themselves in colors, laughter, and festivity, making Holi a truly special occasion for the Gorkha community in Chamba.
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