|
Jagar
or Ghanyali or Baisi
are conducted
to invoke the family or Community Deity with
in a particular person
called Dangeria.
Golju, Narsingh, Saimju, Kalbisht Bholanath, Bhagwati,
Pari etc are common
deity of Kumaon hills and
they protect them and
their livestock from evil
spirits. Community Jagar are called Baisi
as it runs for 22 days.
Baisi is held annually during winter nights around the
Dhuni fire. Among fast
beats of Drum, Hurka and Thali, songs
containing praise and heroic
deeds of the Deity are sung
by a person called Jagaria
(a person authorized to activate the Deity).
People use to ask
cause and remedies of their problems from the Devata. Jagars
are also held by individuals periodically in honour of their Ishta
(family deity) devata. |
In
old times the Baisi had been a source of entertainment during
the chilly long winter nights around a warm Dhuni fire.
|
Both the Jagaria and
Dangeria have to observe strict code of conduct
otherwise they lose their status and powers.
|
After some
time the Deity is activated and the Dangeria starts
shivering and dancing with some utterances. People
with folded hands seek remedies for their
ill health or other miseries.
The Deity suggests cause and
remedy in incoherent
language but
people interpret it to take necessary action as suggested.
A female Deity called Pari (Fairy) attired
in colorful local dress
performs Deep Dance with
several lamps lit upon Thalis (Plates).
Some times these Deities perform miraculous acts
such as walking on fire or licking of hot spades etc.
|
Travelogue