PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Uttarkashi
The traditional Butter Festival, locally called Andhudi, was celebrated with milk-curd-butter in the
Dayara Bugyal (11,000 feet). However, due to the recent flash flood disaster in Dharali, the festival was celebrated this year 20 days later than its scheduled time. Besides, it was kept low key for the same reason.
Artists dressed as Radha and Krishna inaugurated the festival by breaking the curd pot and ritual offerings were made to the forest deities. The villagers then showered one another with milk, curd and butter and prayed for the wellbeing of the village and its livestock.
The villagers believe that storing milk, curd and butter in the month of Sawan is a symbol of prosperity and offering these products to the gods ensures the well-being of all.
The chairman of Dayara tourism committee, Manoj Rana and member Prithviraj Rana said that such festivals in Bugyals connect the villagers to their roots and introduce the youth to their traditional culture besides promoting tourism. Notably, foreign tourists are increasingly coming to the Bugyal for the vibrant cultural experience of the festival.
