Subhash Mahajan
Chamba:
The Gorkha community, known for their deep-rooted faith in Hindu traditions, celebrated the festival of Raksha Bandhan with great zeal and devotion in the Bhattiyat region’s Bakloh area of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh.
The festival, which celebrates the eternal bond between brothers and sisters, saw families coming together from across the country — and even abroad. No matter where they are, brothers make it a point to return home to celebrate this auspicious occasion with their sisters.
The celebration begins early in the morning, with sisters bathing and performing rituals at home. They first offer prayers to the household deity and the family’s ‘kuldevi’ (ancestral goddess), tying sacred threads (moli) as a symbol of Rakhi, seeking blessings for their brothers’ well-being and longevity.
Following the prayers, sisters invite their brothers home and perform the traditional Raksha Bandhan ceremony, tying the Rakhi on their wrists as a protective charm and praying for their prosperity and long life. This heartfelt gesture symbolises the unwavering bond of love between siblings.
What makes this celebration even more special is the variety of delicious, homemade sweets and dishes prepared by the sisters. From traditional Batuk, Sel Roti, Aloo Chutney, Gujiya, Khajur Malpua to creamy Kheer, every item is lovingly prepared and served. Brothers happily relish these delicacies, made with care and affection.
In return, brothers express their gratitude and love by giving their sisters lavish gifts and cash, never hesitating to make the occasion memorable. As the day winds down, brothers take leave from their sisters’ homes and return, promising to keep the spirit of this beautiful tradition alive year after year.
The festival in Bakloh this year not only highlighted the cultural richness of the Gorkha community but also served as a reminder of the enduring strength of familial bonds and traditions.
