18/10/2017
Choti diwali being celebrated at my village at Pauri Garhwal. Few shots for the benefit of all. The day starts with preparations of 'ladoos' of different cereal topped with variety of flowers nicely decorated in platters and carried by each member of the family for feeding the cattle. The fodder for ladoos is prepared previous evening. On choti DIWALI, first the
gram devta (bhumiya) is worshipped by gents (ladies not allowed) and thereafter the cattle of the family are worshipped ceremoniously, sprinkling of 'jal'(water), tilak and aromas and then the prepared ladoos are fed to them. I would be posting a video for that also. Dhol / rounti (Garhwali drums) is also played simultaneously. After the holy feast of cattle, there mouths are washed, their feet are touched as a matter of gratitude and aromas given finally. Night celebration is done with traditional lights (bhailu), prepared with wooden planks, is also celebrated by villagers after gathering at a place at the centre of village with beating of drums. This is Uttarakhandi Dipawali, a complete GREEN DIWALI, with no pollution. Happy Diwali and JAI UTTARAKHAND.
