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Introduction to Gotsi or Gochi:
Himachal Pradesh, variously termed as the land of snowy mountains and Deva Bhoomi that is translated in English to mean the land of the gods, has abundance of flora and fauna. Untouched by the contemporary technological advancements, this state of perennial rivers and exotic wild life creates impeccable spell on the minds of the travelers. Every year a constant growth is perceived in the number of the footfalls it witnesses. And this very credit of receiving good number of footsteps of the travelers can be given to its kaleidoscopic landscapes along with the cultural and traditional life style of its people. As per the cultural and traditional life style of the hill people is concerned it can be said that this aspect of Himachal Pradesh can well be seen the way colorful fairs and festivals are organized here. A good number of fairs and festivals in Himachal Pradesh are celebrated each year. Some have religious and some have social imports. However, the one that entails both religious and social meanings and is a perfect way to get close to the cultural and traditional life of the people is Gotsi or Gochi, Himachal Pradesh. The festival of Gotsi or Gochi in Himachal Pradesh is observed in the houses of those people who got new member in their families in the form of a son last year.
Time of celebrating Gotsi or Gochi:
The famous festival of Gotsi or Gochi, Himachal Pradesh is celebrated in the month of February. Hence to know the rituals and the way people get into the revelry of this festival you need to visit Himachal Pradesh during this season.
Description of Gotsi or Gochi:
On the occasion of the festival Gotsi or Gochi, Himachal Pradesh people assemble in those houses where a baby son was born. They drink Chhang, a kind of wine. Four people of the house carry a plate that contains some cake pieces made of mixed flour to offer to local deities. The place where they go is found to be dotted with tree or a shrub or a tiny mound. Also, a young girl who is a spinster attires in ceremonial cloths and accompanies the plate of cakes. She also holds a vessel of chhang wine in her hands. While she carries this, two men one with lit torch and other with a cluster of pine branches bundled in sheep skin accompany her. In this entire scenario the woman who has given birth to the son child leads a devotees-procession that basically comprises of other mothers of sons. Later, the branches of the tree that bear sheepskin are set free of that and shot at with arrows. As soon as these rituals are done with, people sip chhang, beat drums and dance unrestrainedly. However, the festival of Gotsi or Gochi, Himachal Pradesh reaches its culmination when on returning home, men and women throw snowballs at each other.
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Indianholiday.com offers online information on Gotsi or Gochi and other fairs and festivals in Himachal Pradesh.
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