The Weird Tradition of Kullu

The annual tradition of shouting expletives to ward off evil has been followed since last many years by residents of villages in Kullu.

Every year the locals celebrate a weird but interesting tradition of mouthing abuses accompanied by traditional drum and trumpet.

The ritual of ‘Diyali’ is followed for 15 days during the Hindu month of Paush (mid December to mid January). Paush is considered the month of the dark when the deities are believed to migrate to heaven for 30 days.

The locals of Kullu believe that during this period evil spirits move freely to harm the people. To protect the villages and drive away the evil spirits, the villagers shout abuses.

Men of the villages shout at the top of the voice during the ritual. Many villages of the area owing to the objection from womenfolk of the village have stopped publicly following this years old ritual but many still perform the same to keep away, what they believe, is evil from their life.

Most educated youth do not take part in this tradition. Every village has its different legend behind celebrating the tradition.

Manali, one of the most popular hill stations in India

Landslides In Darjeeling Take Toll on Life and Tourism

Incessant heavy rains for 3 days followed by massive landslides in and around Darjeeling took a heavy toll on both life and tourism.

The calamity that struck on late Tuesday night has claimed 40 lives till now and injured many.

Portions of National Highways 10 and 55 have been washed away, power stands disrupted, bridges have collapsed leading to communication both delayed and difficult.

While heavy rains continued for 3 days, the destructive landslides late at night didn’t give anyone a chance to react and washed away houses and villages on the hillsides, while people lay asleep in those.

The locals joined hands with paramilitary forces and police in relief and rescue operations. People were seen digging with bare hands to rescue lives under heavy debris.

Hundreds of tourists visiting Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong have been stranded here and there as the connecting roads and bridges have been washed away.

The toy train ride along with other transportation services are affected as the rains still continue and are predicted to do so for next few days.

The worst affected areas are Mirik and Kalimpong with many dead and quite a few missing.

As I write, fresh landslides have been reported from the region, 32 bodies have been recovered and 11 people stand missing, rescue and relief operations are being carried out in full swing by NDRF and SSB along with State Government’s Disaster Management Team and Indian army.

While Darjeeling is already facing a crisis, Jalpaiguri is under flood threat as the water in the Teesta River is flowing over the danger mark.