Igas Bagwal Festival: Celebrating Uttarakhand's Cultural Heritage
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Igas Bagwal (Also known as Budhi Diwali or Harbodhni Ekadashi) |
| Location | Uttarakhand |
| Timing | Celebrated 11 days after Diwali, on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi |
| Significance | Marks the end of Lord Vishnu's four-month rest period and symbolizes cultural pride. |
| Mythological Links | Celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya and Madhav Singh Bhandari's victory over Tibet. |
| Key Rituals | Bhailo or Andhaya: Large pinewood torches lit and swung to banish darkness and invoke blessings. |
| Cattle Honoring | Cattle are washed, decorated with turmeric and mustard oil, and given special meals. |
| Preservation Efforts | Local authorities and cultural organizations promote the festival through awareness campaigns. |
| Communal Harmony | Traditional delicacies are shared, reflecting unity and cultural heritage. |