PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Jyotirmath
The Ramman fair concluded in the Salud-Dungra village of Jyotirmath block in the Chamoli district on Sunday. The event which is also a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage of humanity was held for a 13-day period starting on the occasion of Baisakhi. Thousands of devotees witnessed artists performing the Mukhauta Nritya wearing traditional masks to the 18 traditional beats of Dhol-Damau on Sunday. This celebration is not only a religious event but also signifies the tradition of Adi Shankaracharya and the strong bond between humans and nature. During the fair, the artists presented a concise version of the entire Ramayan through Jagar and performances to the beats of Dhol-Damau. Amidst the cultural performances, comedians also perform the mask dance to entertain the audience. Bhumiyal Devta also dances in this place. The person possessed by the Devta then blesses the devotees with a prayer for prosperity in the area, which marks the conclusion of the historic fair.
