Ghughutiya Tyohar: The Kumaon Festival of Sweet Offerings
Ghughutiya Tyohar
Ghughutiya Tyohar: The Joyous Festival of Sweet Treats in Kumaon, Uttarakhand
The remote Himalayan region of Kumaon in Uttarakhand celebrates many unique and vibrant festivals that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the area. One such festival is Ghughutiya Tyohar, celebrated just before Makar Sankranti with much fervor and excitement. This festival highlights the sweet and joyous offerings made by children to their ancestors in the form of garlands made of a special sweet called ghughute.
The Legend and Significance of Ghughutiya Tyohar
Ghughutiya Tyohar is known by different names in different parts of Kumaon, including Ghughutia, Ghughute Tyar, and Kale Kauva Tyar. ‘Ghughute’ refers to the special dough balls made during the festival, while ‘Tyohar’ means festival. ‘Kale Kauva’ translates to black crow, which has an important role in the festivities.
According to legend, the festival originated when the Pandavas were in exile and yearned for sweets from Hastinapur. Draupadi made the dough balls called ghughute from jaggery, wheat flour, ghee and milk and offered them to Yudhishthir. Pleased, he allowed her to distribute them, leading to the tradition of ghughute as offerings.
The festival underscores the significance of offerings made to ancestors and crows, considered the ancestors’ representatives. Children give these sweets to seek the elders’ blessings for a prosperous year ahead.
Making the Garlands of Ghughute
The festivities center around making ornate garlands or malas of the deep-fried dough balls called ghughute. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Making the Dough: The dough is made by mixing wheat flour, jaggery/sugar, ghee, milk, and optionally a few spices. It is kneaded into a smooth paste.
- Shaping the Ghughute: Small lime-sized balls or ghughute are made from the dough paste and flattened slightly.
- Frying: The ghughute are deep fried in ghee or oil until golden brown and crisp.
- Stringing: Once cooled, the ghughute are threaded into garlands or malas using cotton string. Intricate patterns are made.
- Drying: The garlands are left to dry for 2-3 days until crisp. They can be stored for months.
The Ritual Offering to Ancestors
On the day after Makar Sankranti, children wake up before sunrise and take the ghughute garlands up to their rooftops. Facing east, they offer the garlands to the black crows that gather, chanting “Kale kauva kale, ghughuti mala khale.”
This ritualistic offering of sweets is the main highlight. The children seek the blessings of their ancestors and forefathers, symbolized by the crows. The crows are believed to be the departed souls’ messengers.
The offerings are thought to reach the ancestors in heaven and make them happy. The ancestors in turn bless the children and families with prosperity, good luck, and bountiful harvests in the coming year.
Celebrations and Feasting
Ghughutiya Tyohar is celebrated with much excitement and fanfare. A festive atmosphere prevails in Kumaon as families prepare for the ritual offerings.
On the main day, children dress in their traditional best. Sisters help braid their brothers’ hair and adorn them with jewelery. Elders distribute the garlands and instruct them on the ritual.
The children rush excitedly to the rooftops before sunrise. Their chanting fills the air as they offer the garlands with reverence. The crows flock and partake of the treats.
After the offerings, the families gather for a celebratory feast. Local delicacies like puris, bhang chutney, meat curries and more are prepared. Singing, dancing and merrymaking go on through the day.
The Significance of Crows in Kumaon Culture
Crows play an important role in Kumaon’s folklore and festivals. They are consideredancestors’ messengers and therefore treated with respect.
Many folk tales depict crows as wise birds that give prudent advice when asked. Offering food to crows is thought to please ancestors.
Apart from Ghughutiya, crows are revered during other festivals like Kartik Snan, Pitr Paksh and Mahalaya Paksh. Even in daily life, many make it a habit to feed crumbs or leftovers to crows at certain times.
Ghughutiya Tyohar
Ghughutiya Tyohar is a beautiful festival that highlights Kumaon’s unique culture. The sweet offerings made by children encapsulate the region’s reverence for ancestors and crows.
Each year, the chanting of “Kale kauva kale” reaffirms these traditions. The festival brings families together to celebrate their bonds, values and hopes for a bright future. Ghughutiya fills Kumaon with the spirit of joy, celebration and cultural pride.
FAQs about Ghughutiya Tyohar
Q: When is Ghughutiya Tyohar celebrated?
A: Ghughutiya is celebrated one day after Makar Sankranti in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
Q: What sweets are made for Ghughutiya?
A: Ghughute – dough balls made of wheat flour, jaggery, ghee and milk – are made and fried into sweets.
Q: Why are sweets offered to crows during Ghughutiya?
A: Crows are considered ancestors’ messengers, so offering sweets to them is a way to please ancestors.
Q: What is the significance of Ghughutiya Tyohar?
A: Ghughutiya emphasizes offering sweets to ancestors and seeking their blessings for a good year ahead.
Q: What are other names for Ghughutiya festival?
A: Other names are Ghughutia, Kale Kauva Tyar, Ghughute Tyar and Kwati Tyar.
