Dev Bhoomi Himachal is known for its beautiful hill towns and peaceful villages. However, this wonderful state is not only loved for its natural beauty but also for its unique festivals and traditions. People here follow many old customs that have been passed down for generations. Among the many lively festivals, the Raulane Festival from Kinnaur is now catching the attention of many travelers and culture lovers.
This festival is simple yet beautifully shows the strong bond people share with their land and their beliefs. Mainly, this unique festival is celebrated in Kinnaur, a region famous for its kind people and cultural values. Keep reading to know more about Raulane, what it is, when it is celebrated, what the story behind it is, and more.
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What is the Raulane Festival?
Raulane Festival Himachal Pradesh is a traditional festival from Kinnaur, which is one of the most unique spring rituals celebrated in Dev Bhoomi Himachal. Locals here believe that during winter, the Sauni, mountain fairies whom they worship as their guardian spirits, come down from the upper meadows, Kanda. However, when spring returns, the fairies return. So, villagers gather for this springtime ritual to thank fairies for protecting them and offer a gentle farewell.
Do you know what has really grabbed everyone’s attention and made the Raulane Festival Kinnaur go viral? A unique tradition is linked with this festival, where two men dress as a ceremonial bride (Raulane) and groom (Raula). The ceremonial pair doesn’t act like a real married couple. Their role is to represent the bond between the villages and the fairies. This festival is celebrated every year at the Nagin Narayan temple, where the symbolic groom and bride and almost every villager visit to offer their gratitude to the Sauni.
Raulane Festival Timings and Main Locations
This lively festival is held in the early spring months in Kinnaur. There is no exact date, as it can change from village to village. The elders in every village decide the celebration timings based on local traditions and the farming season.
- Its celebrations usually take place between February and April, when the Sauni spirits return to the higher meadows.
- As we discussed above, the Raulane Festival is celebrated in Nagin Narayan Temple, Kalpa, and people from the villages around the temple take part in this ritual.
- Kalpa, Ribba, and other small villages in the Sangla and Nichar areas are some of the best locations to visit to witness this lively festival.
Although the celebrations of this festival are simple, the devotion of locals makes it a very special experience. This festival offers a chance for visitors to see the true charm of Kinnauri culture. It is expected that this springtime ritual will be celebrated on March 7, next year. You can plan a visit to Kalpa and other villages in Kinnaur to experience this unique cultural event in Himachal.
Cultural Significance of Raulane Festival, Kinnaur
You must have seen the unique outfits worn by villagers during the Raualne Festival in viral videos. The groom hides his face with a red cloth, and the bride with heavy silver jewelry. According to the old belief in the region, the groom’s face must stay fully covered during the ritual.
Locals say that if even a small part of his face is seen, the mountain might take him away with her. Another reason for covering the face is to show respect to the Sauni. Due to this belief, the groom keeps his face hidden during the ritual. Two men playing Raula and Raulane become the medium through which the Sauni spirits bless the village.
Locals believe that Raualane is so old that no one really knows when it actually began. Some elders say it could be five thousand years old, which also highlights the rich raulane festival history deeply rooted in Kinnauri beliefs. People say that if you laugh along the Raula during the rituals in this festival, you invite luck for the harvest. This festival is not just a ritual but also a part of Kinnaur’s identity, highlighting the raulane festival of himachal pradesh significance in the region’s culture and traditions.
How People Dress for the Raulane Festival
The story behind the Raulane Festival is simple. Kinnauris believe that during cold months, special mountain spirits protect their homes, fields, and animals. Villagers believe that spirits stay close to them during the harsh weather. When the spring arrives, the fairies return, so villagers come together to thank them. During this festival, not only Raula and Raulane but every villager dresses up in their traditional outfits.
Raulane’s Outfit
- Raulane’s outfit is beautiful and colorful. She wears a Doru, which is a traditional Kinnauri shawl, a Choli, a Pattu, and a Gachchi, which is a belt that holds everything in place.
- Her head is decorated with fresh local flowers like white Chamka, yellow Narkasang, and cotton seeds called Bakhri Kan.
- She is adorned with old silver jewelry pieces, like daglo, bithri, contain, and more, that are worn by women in the village.
Raula’s Outfit
- Unlike Raulane, Raula’s outfit is more protective, as he has to fully cover his face. The groom wears thick woolen clothes and a red Gachchi.
- Raula also carries Rakas, which is believed to keep away negative energy. Moreover, both Raula and Raualane keep their hands covered with gloves.
- Not only one, but many Rauals and Raulanes take part at the same time in the festival.
Rituals Performed at Raulane Festival
Unlike other famous festivals of Dev Bhoomi Himachal, like Kullu Dussehra and Mandi Shivratri, Raulane is free from commercialization. People in Kalpa and other villages in the Kinnaur region believe that long ago, the elders decided to thank the mountain fairies through this small ritual. Locals believe that when the rituals during this festival are done together, the fairies bless the whole village.
The Kalpa region is divided into parts called Sarings. During the Raulane Festival, Raulas and Raulanes come from different Sarings and gather at the temple. Villagers move in a colorful procession with drummers playing the Dhol Damau. They chant, laugh, and playfully tease the pair of Raula and Raulane leading the procession.
After reaching the Nagin Narayan Temple, they offer their prayers and perform a symbolic dance. For this festival, villagers trek to high mountains to collect rare wildflowers. This community trekking ritual is another main part of it. Apart from the main ceremony at the temple, many other rituals are also performed, including:
- Zannpundulu: Performers wearing fierce masks appear and perform to drive away evil spirits. They wear such masks to scare away negative energy.
- Kayang: Villagers, along with Raula and Raulane, take part in this folk dance ritual. They hold hands and dance in a semicircle. This dance is part of the prayers and is led by the ceremonial pair.
- Sattu Throwing: During the festival, the villagers throw Sattu (barley flour) at each other, which is a fun ritual. This ritual is similar to Holi in some Himachali villages.
Tips for Visitors Attending the Raulane Festival
The Raulane Festival Kinnaur is a simple spring ritual, but its unique rituals and deep spiritual connection make it special. Even after thousands of years, this tradition is followed with the same respect and excitement. Anyone planning to attend this festival must keep the following things in mind:
- You must pack modest clothes for your journey, as you’ll be visiting local temples.
- Before capturing pictures and taking videos of villagers and local rituals, you must ask for their permission.
- Make sure you carry a pair or two of comfortable shoes, so you don’t face any trouble during the trip.
- ATM services might not be available in the region, so it is best to carry cash.
Raulane Festival Kinnaur: A Celebration of Culture
The Raulane Festival is not just a celebration; it is a way for Kinnauris to honor their traditions and nature. Everything about this festival, from the symbolic Raula and Raulane to the folk dances, playful flour throwing, makes it unique. You can visit Kinnaur to experience the joy and warmth of this age-old celebration.
This lively festival is a perfect chance for anyone who wishes to witness a close glimpse of Kinnauri culture. You must make sure you respect every ritual, as Raulane is not about big shows but is deeply connected with locals’ beliefs. Whether you want to come to witness this culture or simply to see something new, it will help you show the real soul of the mountains.
Also Read – Top Airports in Himachal Pradesh for Easy Mountain Travel