Igas Festival: Discover Uttarakhand's Hidden Diwali Celebration.
The Igas festival, also known as “Boodhi Diwali” (meaning “old Diwali”), is a hidden gem of Uttarakhand that brings the hills alive with lights, songs, and rituals that have been passed down for generations. Unlike Diwali celebrated in most parts of India, Igas takes place 11 days after the traditional festival of lights, reflecting local traditions and stories from the state’s rich cultural fabric. This unique celebration has its roots in history and heritage, honoring the spirit of courage, community, and devotion.
In this blog post, we will take you on a journey of the Igas festival, exploring its origins, cultural significance, and vibrant ways to celebrate it. We will also share practical tips on how you can experience Igas and immerse yourself in the fascinating traditions of Uttarakhand.
The Origin of Igas: More Than Just “Old Diwali”
Igas is celebrated in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand. The origin of this festival lies in folklore, which links it to important historical events and religious stories. According to one legend, Igas commemorates the return of King Bhil Raja from a victorious battle. On his return, people could not celebrate Diwali as they were waiting for him, and they celebrated it later on his safe arrival, which reflects the tradition of "Budhi Diwali.".
Another popular belief links Igas to the mythology of Lord Rama, where the festival honors his victorious return to Ayodhya. The local variation of this event in Uttarakhand celebrates bravery, respect for traditions, and community strength.
Unique Traditions That Define Igas
Igas is not just another Diwali; it comes with its own rituals, food, and cultural practices. Here is a look at some of the unique traditions that make Igas distinct:
1. Pahari Songs and Folk Dances
During Igas, families and communities gather to sing traditional folk songs, known as “jagar” songs, which tell stories of local legends and deities. The “Pandav Nritya," a folk dance that depicts stories from the Mahabharata, is performed in many villages. This dance is dedicated to the art of ancient storytelling, bringing the epics alive through soulful movements and tunes. If you are visiting Uttarakhand during Igas, join community gatherings to witness or participate in these folk performances. Villages often welcome guests with open arms, making it a memorable cultural immersion.
2. Lighting up the hills with diyas and torches
While cities and towns rely on electric lights, Igas continues to hold the charm of oil lamps (deepaks) and handheld fire torches called "masalas.”. People illuminate their homes, courtyards, and pathways, filling the hills with a warm, earthy glow that reflects the closeness to nature and simplicity in the celebration.
Example: Imagine you are walking through a hill village where every home is lit up with flickering diyas, and neighbors gather to share folk tales. The calm atmosphere creates a festive charm that is unique to Uttarakhand.
3. Enjoy the traditional delicacies of Uttarakhand
No festival is complete without food, and Igas is no exception! Special dishes like singhal (a type of sweet bread) and arisa (sweet tikki made from rice flour) are prepared in every household. The flavor of these dishes is influenced by the local ingredients of Uttarakhand like jaggery, rice flour, and spices. These traditional foods are a must-try! Many local families and homestays are willing to share these recipes, or you can look for regional sweet shops that offer them during festival time.
How to celebrate Igas like a local:
If you want to experience the true flavour of Igas, here are some actionable tips that you can follow to make your trip more enjoyable:
1. Visit a local village to experience community celebrations
The best way to experience Igas is to visit a village in Uttarakhand where traditional practices are still in full swing. Look for homestays or guided tours that provide information about local customs and connect you with families celebrating Igas. Villages like Dehradun, Chamoli and Tehri Garhwal are known for their warm hospitality and vibrant celebrations.
2. Attend rituals with an open mind
If you have celebrated Diwali elsewhere in India, Igas rituals may be different from what you are used to. Connect with local customs by lighting diyas, learning traditional dances or joining community prayers. This not only enhances your experience but also shows respect for the rich culture of Uttarakhand.
3. Capture the moment, but respect tradition
Photography can help you cherish memories of Igas, but it's also important to be mindful of the cultural sensitivities associated with certain rituals. Ask politely before capturing close-ups of ceremonies or individuals, as the people appreciate when visitors show respect for their customs.
Growing popularity and revival of Igas
Recently, there has been a movement to revive and preserve the tradition of Igas, especially as the younger generation is becoming more aware of its cultural significance. Local communities, in collaboration with the Uttarakhand government, have started holding festivals and events to attract tourists and help locals reconnect with their roots. Social media has also played a role in highlighting Igas, with locals and visitors sharing stories, photos, and videos to showcase the beauty and warmth of the festival.
Case Study: “Pahari Connect”, a youth-led organisation in Dehradun, has been actively promoting Igas through storytelling workshops, folk performances and social media campaigns. Their efforts have not only revived interest in Igas among locals but have also attracted cultural tourism to Uttarakhand, helping sustain the local economy.
Closing Thoughts: Embracing Igas for a Deeper Connection with Indian Culture
The Igas Festival is a beautiful reminder of India’s cultural diversity and the power of community. Celebrating Igas gives you a chance to get to know the heart of Uttarakhand, where traditions are respected, nature is cherished, and community spirit is evident through every diya and dance.
As more and more people learn about Igas, the festival will grow in popularity, making it one of the must-see cultural experiences in Uttarakhand. If you are intrigued by Igas and its unique traditions, why not plan a trip to Uttarakhand and celebrate with the locals?
Call to Action: Have you experienced the Igas Festival or a similarly unique celebration? Share your thoughts and favorite memories in the comments below, and let us know if you want tips for planning your Igas adventure!
