Springing with Joy

This is how we welcome the Spring Season in Kumaon

14 March 2013 was Phool Dei festival in Kumaoun, celebrated on the first day of Chaitra month of the Hindu Calendar and falls around mid-March. It's a joyous celebration of the onset of spring, when vibrant red Rhododendrons flower in abundance up in the hills. 

On this day, young girls visit houses carrying plates a having rice grains, jaggery and flowers. They conduct puja of the house entrance (the dehlee or dahleez) and sprinkle rice grains and flowers / flower petals, singing: Phool Dei, Chhamma Dei, Dwino Dwaar, Bhor Bhakaar, Yo Dei Sei Namaskar, Pujo Dei . This symbolises an offering of good wishes for the prosperity of the family and the household. The seniors of the household in turn, bless the girls and offer them sweets & money. Happiness!

KAALE KAUWA FESTIVAL OF KUMAON

I fondly remember the Kaale Kauwa festival on Makar Sankranti from my childhood. Here's the sweet story. Kaale Kauwa / Ghughutia is celebrated on the day of Uttarayani, when sun enters into the Zodiacal sign of Capricon (Makar) from that of Cancer (Kark) i.e. from this day sun starts moving towards north. This day also signals a change in season, as the migratory birds start returning to hills.

Ghughuta are made out of sweetened flour  (kneaded with 'Gud'). These are then formed into  Ghughuta which are shaped like drums, swords, knives, pomegranates etc. and deep fried. Ghughuta are then strung into a necklace ( maala) with an Orange strung in the middle.Dry fruits are also used for stringing into the garland.

Children get up early in the morning  and these are then put round their necks. Wearing garlands of the above eatables, children come out calling the crows saying:

Kaale Kauwa Kaale, Ghughuti Maala Khaale,

Le Kauwa Dhaal, Miki de Suno Thaal,

Le Kauwa Baraa, Miki de Suno Gharaa.....

Children take off some Ghughuta from the necklace (Ghughuti malaa) and give it to crows & other birds to eat as a token of welcome for all migratory birds, who are returning from their winter sojourn in the plains.