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Introduction to Khogal Festival
Himachal Pradesh the land that takes pride in its stunning landscapes, simple and religious people, presence of numerous local deities, colorful celebrations, tourist attractions has become a regular haunt among every tourist, domestic and foreigners. However of all, the thing that has truly earned immense favors and created special place in the hearts of the tourists is the celebration of various fairs and festivals in Himachal Pradesh. The fairs and festivals in Himachal Pradesh are celebrated with high intensity and enthusiasm. Local people dress up in vibrant traditional colors and follow numerous, some religious to the core and some fun oriented to the core, rituals. One such festival that has grown into massive popularity among tourists is Khogal, Himachal Pradesh. The Khogal in Himachal Pradesh has a religious connotation. It is celebrated with a belief that creating screams, loud drum and flute sounds along with torch light in hands will chase the evil spirits away.
Time of celebrating Khogal
The festival Khogal, Himachal Pradesh is observed during Lahaul in the month of January. It usually takes place on a full moon day. Hence if you want to bask in the revelry of the festival Khogal Himachal Pradesh and want to see what exactly happens on this festival then visit this state during the month of January.
Description of Khogal Festival
To celebrate Khogal in Himachal Pradesh village people essentially the male members of the family unite at one single location. They gather at one house and take an exotic local drink namely 'Chakti'. The process of visiting house after house continues and they keep drinking the local specialty call Chakti. This activity continues till mid night. However after this, at mid night the drummers or say in their local language 'Chan' sit on the rooftop of a house. Sitting atop the roof of the house, the drummers play drums and flutes. This particular activity is the central part of the festival Khogal Himachal Pradesh. The sound of the drums and flutes mark the beginning of the Khogal celebrations. Further, with the sound of drums and flutes the village people run with lit torches in their hands towards their respective houses and scream. This particular act denotes chasing of the evil spirits away. However at the end of the day villagers gather every torch together and with rising flames of the torch they perform local dance. When dance around the bonfire is over every villager retire back to their home. They now worship the deities of their family along with the local deity called Baraja.
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Indianholiday.com offers online information on Khogal, Himachal Pradesh and other fairs and festivals in Himachal Pradesh.
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