Monday, 31 October 2022 | PNS | NEW TEHRI
There is a festive atmosphere these days in Mukhba village, the winter abode of goddess Ganga in Uttarkashi district. The villagers are staging the traditional Pandav Nritya which is set to conclude on Monday.
As per the traditional practice, the Bhog Murti of goddess Ganga was brought to Mukhba from Gangotri temple after the portals of the shrine were closed to the public for the winter on October 26. While following their religious beliefs the villagers are also maintaining the cultural heritage of the mountains. Historian Umaraman Semwal said that the Pandavas had spent a considerable time in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. It is believed that Pandav Pooja protects a village from natural disasters.
The traditional Pandav Nritya is performed as part of this activity. The villagers also make special offerings to goddess Ganga during this period, he said. Teerth Purohit Deepak Semwal said that there are various reasons cited for the performance of Pandav Nritya in the Garhwal region. It is also performed for prosperity and good harvest in the village. It is believed that the Pandavas possess the Pashva (medium) only to special beats of the traditional Dhol-Damau. There are special beats for Yudhishthir, Bhim, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev among other characters. Along with playing the traditional drums the musicians also sing important scenes from the Mahabharat during the Pandav Nritya.
