Boda Tyohar Festival Celebrates Hatti Culture

The Boda Tyohar festival, celebrated by the Hatti tribes in Himachal Pradesh’s Trans-Giri region, commenced with vibrant enthusiasm. This festival is the largest annual celebration for the Hatti community, which consists of approximately three lakh members. The festival, known locally as Magho ko Tyohar, spans the entire month of Magha and is marked by three distinct mini-festivals, each with unique customs and rituals.

About Boda Tyohar

Boda Tyohar kicked off on the eve of Posh Dwadashi, which fell on a Friday this year. The festival holds immense cultural significance for the Hatti community, showcasing their rich traditions and communal spirit. The celebrations are deeply rooted in centuries-old customs, denoting the importance of family and community bonds.

Bodhto – The Beginning of Festivities

The first day of the festival is known as Bodhto. On this day, families prepare traditional dishes such as Pude, Bedoli, Patanday, Dhroti, and Gudoli. These dishes are offered to the deities as a mark of respect and gratitude. The community comes together to celebrate, reinforcing their cultural identity and shared heritage.

Bhatioj – Community Gatherings

The following day is called Bhatioj. Celebrations commence at the Sanjha Angan, a communal courtyard typically owned by the village head, known as Siyana. Villagers gather at temples dedicated to Kul Devtas, including Shirgul Maharaj and Mahasu Maharaj. After a communal meal, the evening is filled with singing and dancing, which continues until dawn. This day puts stress on the vital role of women in Hatti culture, as they participate actively in the festivities.

Saje ka Duna – Gifts and Traditions

On the morning after Bhatioj, men visit their married sisters, bringing gifts of meat, jaggery, and wheat flour, collectively known as Saje ka Duna. This exchange strengthens familial ties. The sisters visit their parental homes to collect their share of the meat, reinforcing the importance of family connections during the festival.

Geet – Musical Celebrations

Married women join in the Geet celebrations, where local composers present newly composed songs. This musical aspect of the festival marks the cultural creativity of the Hatti community. The songs often reflect the themes of love, family, and nature, enriching the festival’s atmosphere.

Khoda Festival – The Grand Feast

The festival reaches its zenith on the eighth day with the celebration of Khoda. This event is marked by inviting friends and family for a grand feast. The communal aspect of dining is central to Hatti culture, encouraging unity and togetherness among the community members.

Boidoot – Continuing the Tradition

Following the Khoda festival, the Boidoot celebrations begin, lasting until the end of the Magha month. During this time, every household invites family members and close relatives for communal dinners at least once throughout the month. This tradition emphasises hospitality and the importance of maintaining family connections.

1. The Hatti community was declared a Scheduled Tribe in 2023.
2. Bodhto is celebrated with traditional dishes offered to deities.
3. Sanjha Angan serves as a communal courtyard for festivities.
4. Geet showcases newly composed songs by Hatti composers.
5. Khoda festival is the highlight, featuring a grand communal feast.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2025

Category: Art & Culture Current Affairs