Himachal Pradesh’s Raulaen Festival
Why in discussion?
- Recently, visuals of the festival have gone widely viral on social media.
- The local community has urged visitors to respect the spiritual and cultural sanctity of this festival. Amid rising popularity, residents are emphasizing the need for responsible tourism so that the dignity of the festival is not affected.
Himachal Pradesh’s Raulaen Festival
- The Raulaen Festival, celebrated in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, is an ancient winter festival organized to thank and ceremonially bid farewell to the divine spirit protectors of the village, the ‘Sauni’ fairies.
- According to local beliefs, these Sauni divine forces provide protection, guidance, and blessings to villagers during harsh winters.
- This festival is a beautiful blend of Kinnaur’s spiritual heritage, folklore, and community life.
Himachal Pradesh’s Raulaen Festival
- The center of the festival is the symbolic role of a divine couple played by two men. One man becomes ‘Raula’ (the groom) and the other becomes ‘Raulaen’ (the bride), adorned with traditional woolen attire, ornaments, and masks.
- Together, they perform ritualistic, slow, meditative dances, which are considered a representation of the Sauni fairies.
- The festival usually lasts 5 to 7 days. During this period, traditional music, dance, temple rituals, and community feasts are organized.
- Major ceremonies take place at the Nagini Narayan Temple, where the entire village gathers and participates in the spiritual atmosphere.
