Gochi festival begins in Gahar valley
Mandi, February 4
After the end of Halda and Kuns festivals, the Gochi festival commenced in Gahar valley of tribal district Lahaul and Spiti on Sunday. The festival is being celebrated with great pomp and show amid the snowfall in the valley.
Congratulating Gahar valley residents, Kunga Bodh, a member of Zila Parishad, said, “Happiness is in the air and the residents are rejoiced due to the snowfall. The festival is held every year. It is celebrated in most villages of the Gahar valley to commemorate the birth of a son.”
“In Peukar village, this festival is celebrated for the birth of sons and daughters. During the festival, a Shivalinga made out of ‘sattu’ flour is worshiped. It is called ‘Yulla Devta’ in the local dialect. After worshiping the local deity, a game of archery is played. Villagers believe that the number of arrows that hit the target is the number of sons that the village would have. The villagers dance and sing on this joyous occasion. Many traditional dishes are cooked to mark the festival,” he added.
“The festival will also be celebrated in Peukar village on February 5 to celebrate the birth of a daughter. The celebration of this festival will conclude on February 14 at Keylong” he added.
