Historic Yagya Marks 40-Year Wait, Thousands of Devotees and Deities Gather for Sacred Rituals
Rohru, January 03: The picturesque Spail Valley in Himachal Pradesh is abuzz with fervor and devotion as the Bhunda Maha Yagya, a sacred event that occurs once every 40 years, commenced with the arrival of deities and their devoted followers. Thousands of Devlus, the temple’s dancers and singers, accompanied by their respective deities, arrived at the temple of Bakaralu Devta in a grand procession. The air was filled with the sounds of traditional drums, nagadas, and Ransinghs as the procession made its way to the temple, signaling the start of this monumental event.
A Spectacle of Faith and Tradition
The Bhunda Maha Yagya, taking place after four decades, saw the arrival of the deities Mohrish, Maheshwar, and Bondra, along with their followers. As the Devlus danced and sang in their traditional attire, they carried with them symbols of faith, including sticks, swords, and other weapons, creating an atmosphere charged with energy and devotion. Crackers lit up the sky at every step, adding to the festive spirit. The procession made its way to the temple with a sense of excitement and reverence, and the chants of the gods resonated through the valley.
The event is expected to draw around one lakh people to Spail Valley, marking the first significant gathering in the area in four decades for this religious celebration. The presence of thousands of devotees, local villagers, and visitors emphasizes the cultural importance of the Maha Yagya for the region and the people.
Rituals and Events of Bhunda Maha Yagya
The rituals for the Bhunda Maha Yagya began with the arrival of the deities and their Devlus, setting the stage for the grand ceremonies. On Friday, the second day of the event, the Shikha Pujan and Fer rituals will take place. The Shikha Pujan will involve worshipping the four directions on the roof of the newly constructed temple of Bakaralu Devta, where the deity will tie a Raksha Sutra to protect the community.
On Saturday, the focal point of the Yagya will occur – the Beda ritual. During this event, a special person will cross a 100-meter long rope made of Munji (grass) from one end to the other, symbolizing the strength of faith and devotion. This daring and unique ritual, performed on a wooden saddle, will serve as a visual representation of the community’s trust in the divine.
The Yagya will also receive the blessings of prominent figures, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Congress President Pratibha Singh, and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh scheduled to attend the Shikha Pujan ceremony on Friday.
Vibrant Celebrations and Traditions
As night fell, the festivities continued with vibrant plays outside the tents set up for the Khunds (devotees) and the deities. Despite the cold, the Devlus continued to dance and celebrate the occasion, warming the atmosphere with their joyous spirits. The round of performances, traditional dances, and community plays went on well into the night, with a sense of unity and devotion prevailing.
A joint langar (community kitchen) has been arranged for the Devlus, ensuring that all those participating in the rituals are well taken care of. This communal gesture reflects the spirit of togetherness that defines the Bhunda Maha Yagya.
Deities Arrive Amidst Chants and Devotion
On Thursday, the first deity to arrive at the venue was Mohrish, from Rantari village, followed by Maheshwar from Pujarli village of Samarkot and Bondra from Bachunch village. The deities were received with much enthusiasm, and the procession continued as each group of Devlus danced and chanted their respective prayers and mantras.
As the Maha Yagya continues, the entire Dalgaon area has transformed into a lively hub of activity, with devotees pouring in from surrounding areas to take part in the historic event. The spiritual energy, combined with the joyous celebrations, makes this event one of the most significant cultural and religious occasions in the region.
The Bhunda Maha Yagya is not just a religious event; it is a cultural phenomenon that unites the people of Himachal Pradesh in a shared celebration of faith, tradition, and community spirit. With a rich history and deep significance, this sacred ritual continues to inspire devotion and brings together thousands of people from all walks of life. As the festivities unfold in Spail Valley, the people of Himachal Pradesh stand united, strengthening their connection to their roots and the divine.