The Boda Tyohar Festival, a grand annual celebration of the Hatti tribes in Himachal Pradesh’s Trans-Giri region, began with unparalleled zeal. Known locally as Magho ko Tyohar, this month-long festival is the most significant cultural event for the Hatti community, which consists of approximately three lakh members. It is a vibrant showcase of traditions, unity, and familial bonds, marked by three distinctive mini-festivals, each with unique rituals and customs.
About Boda Tyohar
The festival commenced on Posh Dwadashi, a Friday this year, symbolizing the beginning of the Hatti community’s sacred traditions. Rooted in centuries-old practices, the festival is a celebration of family, cultural heritage, and community spirit. It highlights the Hatti tribe’s collective values and strengthens their connection to their ancestral customs.
Key Celebrations of Boda Tyohar
1. Bodhto – The Beginning of Festivities
The first day of the festival, Bodhto, sees families preparing traditional delicacies such as Pude, Bedoli, Patanday, Dhroti, and Gudoli. These dishes are offered to the deities in gratitude for blessings received. Families come together to celebrate, fostering a sense of togetherness and reinforcing the community’s cultural identity.
2. Bhatioj – Community Gatherings
The second day, Bhatioj, is dedicated to community gatherings at the Sanjha Angan, a communal courtyard typically owned by the village head, or Siyana. The day begins with worship at temples devoted to Kul Devtas like Shirgul Maharaj and Mahasu Maharaj. After a communal meal, the evening transforms into a lively affair with singing and dancing, often lasting until dawn. Women play a pivotal role in these celebrations, actively participating and showcasing their central place in Hatti culture.
3. Saje ka Duna – Strengthening Family Bonds
The third day, Saje ka Duna, focuses on familial connections. Men visit their married sisters, bringing gifts of meat, jaggery, and wheat flour, collectively known as Saje ka Duna. Sisters, in turn, visit their parental homes to collect their share, emphasizing the importance of family ties and mutual respect.
4. Geet – Musical Celebrations
Music takes center stage with Geet, where married women gather to sing songs composed by local artists. These songs often revolve around themes of love, family, and nature, adding a creative dimension to the festival and enriching its joyous atmosphere.
5. Khoda Festival – The Grand Feast
On the eighth day, the festival reaches its zenith with the Khoda Festival, marked by grand feasts hosted for friends and family. This communal dining is a cornerstone of Hatti culture, symbolizing unity, hospitality, and collective joy.
6. Boidoot – The Closing Tradition
The celebrations continue with Boidoot, lasting until the end of the Magha month. During this period, families host communal dinners, inviting relatives and close friends. This tradition of hospitality underscores the Hatti community’s commitment to nurturing relationships and preserving their cultural heritage.
A Testament to Hatti Heritage
The Boda Tyohar Festival is not merely a celebration; it is a testament to the Hatti tribe’s vibrant traditions, values, and resilience. Through its diverse rituals, culinary offerings, music, and community gatherings, the festival unites its people, strengthens familial bonds, and celebrates their shared identity.
As the festival unfolds, it continues to serve as a living archive of Hatti culture, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.