When is Igas?
Igas (Budhi Diwali) is a regional holiday celebrated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
Igas is celebrated 11 days after the rest of India celebrates Diwali.
About Igas
It is widely believed that the news of Lord Ram returning to Ayodhya came 11 days late to this part, therefore Diwali is also celebrated in the form of Igas or Budhi Diwali in the Himalayan state.
“The hills were not connected to the plains in those days. So, the news of the return of Lord Ram reached us late. Ever since, Diwali is celebrated on 'Ekadash', the 11th day. People prepare dal fritters and pooris. We make bunches from local wood like cheed, tie them together, light them and use them as a bonfire. The food is consumed around it and we dance around to folk songs which is the Bhailo dance tradition,” said Pradeep Kukreti, district president, Uttarakhand statehood agitators' forum.
How is Igas celebrated?
It is also celebrated in the same way as Deepawali, by cleaning houses and lighting diyas on them as well as applying oil to the horns of bullocks. Cows are worshiped by wearing garlands around their necks.
There is a tradition of playing bhailo on the Igas festival. Bundles of wood such as bhailo, pine or bhimal are tied with a rope and twisted around the body.
Folk dances and folk arts are also performed on this day. Presentations of Pandava dance are also performed in many regions.
