Kandali Festival

Kandali Festival is celebrated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, linked to the blooming of the Kandali plant, which flowers once every twelve years. This festival takes place in the Chaudas Valley between August and October. This remote valley lies between the Kali and Dhauli rivers. The unique festival, lasting for a week, is celebrated with great joy by the Shauka or Rung community to rejoice in their victory over Zorawar Singh’s army, which attacked Ladakh in 1841.

The festival begins with the worship of a Shiva linga made from a mixture of barley and buckwheat flour. Following the puja, a community feast is organized. People dress in their traditional attire, adorn precious jewelry, and circle around a holy tree. They tie strips of white cloth around the tree and raise a victory flag. After this, a grand procession is led by a woman holding a ril (an instrument used on the loom). Children and men also participate in the procession, equipped with swords and shields.

As the procession approaches the flowering Kandali plants, war tunes are played, and the valley echoes with battle cries. Women destroy the Kandali bushes with their rils, while men assist by hacking at the bushes with their swords. After uprooting the bushes, victory shouts are made, and rice grains are cast into the sky to appease the deities. The people of the Chaudas Valley pray for continued victory over their enemies.

Several legends are associated with this festival, showcasing the martial tradition of the Shauka tribe. One tale recounts the story of a widow’s only son who died after tasting the poisonous flower of the Kandali plant. Another story associates the Kandali flower with famine and poverty. A third tale tells of an enemy attack when the village men were away for trade, and the women took control, destroying the Kandali bushes where the enemies were hiding. This festival is celebrated in memory of the bravery of the women from this region.

The Kandali festival unites distant relatives and family members living in other parts of the country. People return to their ancestral homes to participate in the procession. An assembly called ‘Savdhoomo-sabha’ is also held, where fruits, sweets, and liquor are consumed. The deities are worshipped, and people dance to the tunes of melodious folk songs, making this festival a symbol of collective unity and courage.

The Kandali Festival is a vibrant celebration that embodies the rich cultural heritage and martial spirit of the Shauka community in Uttarakhand. Rooted in history and tradition, it marks a unique moment when the community comes together to honor their ancestors, commemorate their victories, and reinforce their bonds. The rituals, music, and communal feasting create a festive atmosphere that not only reflects their resilience and unity but also fosters a sense of belonging among participants. As the Kandali plants bloom, so too does the spirit of the people, reminding them of their past while paving the way for future generations to cherish and celebrate their rich heritage.