Woman making ghughut in Pithoragarh.
Along with Makar Sankranti in Uttarakhand, the unique folk culture festival Ghughutiya (Uttarayani) will be celebrated with full enthusiasm on the land of Kumaon. Uttarayan is considered to be the beginning of Sun’s entry into Capricorn, which is associated with change of season, new harvest and positive energy.
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Ghughutiya is not only a religious festival, but also a folk festival associated with children, birds, nature and ancestors. Ghughutiya garlands have been prepared in homes from villages to cities and the tradition of calling crows will be followed in the morning with the first rays of the sun.
According to Mahamandaleshwar Kailashanand Maharaj, the chief priest of Jyotirling Jageshwar Dham, Ghughutiya festival gives the message of gratitude, coexistence and folk values, which has become even more relevant in today’s times. Auspicious works are also started from this day itself.
Yesterday, Ghughuts were made in Pithoragarh, today children will call crows by wearing their garlands.
Identity of Ghughutiya- Sweet dishes and garlands
The biggest identity of Ghughutiya festival is the traditional sweet dish called “Ghughut”. It is made from wheat flour, jaggery and ghee. Ghughut is molded into traditional shapes like bird, sun, moon, fish, bow, drum, flower and Shiva’s damru. By threading all these Ghughuts, a beautiful garland is made for children, which is called Ghughutiya Mala.
Winter fruits like orange and Malta are also strung in this garland, making this garland a symbol of play, gifts and affection.
Morning tradition- folk song of calling crows
On the morning of Makar Sankranti, after bathing, children wear Ghughutiya garlands and go to the rooftops and courtyards. They sing traditional folk songs calling the crows in groups-
Crow take flowers, give corn a good bride, crow give shield, corn give Sunak sword, corn give good family, crow take orange, corn give good fiddle
After this, Ghughut is offered to the crows. There is a belief in many houses that until the crow eats Ghughut, no member of the family consumes it. It is considered very auspicious.
Ghughut are made by frying in oil or ghee.
Folk beliefs and stories related to crows
According to Mahamandaleshwar Kailashanand Maharaj, in an ancient folk tale of Kumaon, the minister of a king had planned to kill the younger prince in the forest as part of a conspiracy. The villagers came to know about this in time due to the noise of crows and the prince’s life was saved. As a mark of gratitude, the tradition of feeding Ghughut to crows started, which later became established as the Ghughutiya festival.
According to another belief, crow is considered a symbol of ancestors. Offering food to them is associated with respect for ancestors and their blessings. For this reason, Ghughutiya festival is considered not only for children but also as a festival of reverence and values.
Special identity of Ghughutiya in Almora
Ghughutiya festival is celebrated with special rules and discipline in Almora and surrounding areas. Here, preparations start in homes a day in advance. Women make Ghughut and children are garlanded in the morning.
It is believed here that first of all it is mandatory to offer Ghughut to the crows. After this, the elders bless the children so that happiness and prosperity come in their life just like a crow eats ghughut.
Where is Ghughutiya celebrated?
Ghughutiya festival is mainly celebrated in Kumaon division. This festival is celebrated with full devotion in areas like Almora, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Nainital, Ranikhet, Dwarahat, Someshwar, Kapkot, Didihat and Berinag. In Garhwal region this festival is known as Makar Sankranti or Khichdi festival.
living heritage of folk culture
According to Mahamandaleshwar Kailashanand Maharaj, Ghughutiya festival inspires humans to be grateful towards nature, birds and ancestors. This festival gives the message of coexistence, love and social interaction.
Even today, Ghughutiya or Uttarayani festival is a unique folk festival that keeps alive the folk culture, faith and tradition of Uttarakhand, which remains a symbol of cultural consciousness passed on for generations.
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