Unique Mahashivratri Traditions in Keonthal: Celebrating with Roti and Chandua
In the Keonthal area, the celebration of Mahashivratri takes on a unique and deeply traditional form. Unlike other regions where the Shivling is worshipped, the people of Upper Shimla, including Keonthal, honor Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesh in their homes. Shiv Ram Sharma of Dharech explains that Mahashivratri is the most significant festival of the year in this region, marked by ancient rituals of the divine marriage of Shiva and Parvati.
Homes are beautifully decorated for the occasion, with villagers often painting scenes of Shiva and Parvati’s wedding on their walls. The centerpiece of the celebration is the pavilion, adorned with flour roti and the intricate Chandua, crafted from Paja, Bilvapatra, and Bhang Ghatura. Special dishes like Kachori, Urad ke Sanshe, Dal Rice, Siddu, Poora, and fruits are prepared and offered to the deities.
A unique aspect of the celebration is the night-long puja, where family members perform rituals with fire, ghee, Paja, and Bilvapatra. The night often includes a Jagran, where families stay awake, sing devotional songs, and later share a meal together.
On the day following Mahashivratri, the Chandua is hung outside the house before dawn, symbolizing the divine presence. A cherished tradition is the exchange of special foods, particularly Kachori, which are sent to married sisters and daughters, a practice eagerly anticipated by them.
These customs highlight the rich cultural heritage and the deep-rooted spiritual practices that make Mahashivratri in Keonthal a truly unique and heartfelt celebration.
