Friday, 24 November 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Many people in the city celebrated the traditional festival of Igas Bagwal with much fanfare and fervour on Thursday. Igas or Budhi Deepawali is observed in the Himalayan State 11 days after the celebration of Deepawali. This festival is commemorated to acknowledge Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya, which is the reason behind the nationwide Deepawali celebration. However, due to the geographical remoteness and lack of connectivity, the news of Lord Ram’s return reached the mountainous region 11 days later, causing a delay in the festival’s observance. Additionally, there are other reasons for celebrating the Igas festival which is also known as ‘Devuthni Ekadashi’.
Commenting on the importance of the Igas festival, a priest Narendra Baluni said, “The Igas festival, also known as Devuthni Ekadashi holds significance in the Garhwali community. Initially, it was solely celebrated by the people of Uttarakhand, but over time, it has gained popularity throughout the country. The festival’s primary importance lies in the fact that on this day, Lord Vishnu awakens from his four-month-long cosmic slumber, marking the occasion of Devuthni Ekadashi. In the month of June, Lord Vishnu began his cosmic slumber, which lasted for a duration of four months. The awakening of Lord Vishnu from his cosmic sleep is commemorated through the celebration of the Igas festival.”
He further said that this festival is widely celebrated by the people with great enthusiasm. During this festive occasion, individuals partake in the rituals of early morning cow worship and offer a variety of food to the holy animal, he added.
Further, the vice chairperson of Uttarakhand Culture, Literature and Art Council Madhu Bhatt said, “The Igas festival holds significant importance and is celebrated across the State for various reasons. It is believed that when Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya, it marked the beginning of the grand celebration of Deepawali throughout the nation. However, due to the remote terrain and lack of connectivity, the news of his return reached the mountains 11 days late, resulting in a delay in the festivities.
She further emphasised that the aforementioned festival is also observed as Devuthni Ekadashi, during which Lord Vishnu awakens from a four-month cosmic slumber. In celebration of this festival, individuals adorn their homes with Diyas and lights. Further, they prepare traditional meals of the State to commemorate this auspicious occasion, she added.
