Shimla: Pahari Mahashivratri—A Sacred Feast Celebrating the Divine Union of Shiva and Parvati

Shimla, February 26: While the grand Mahashivratri festivities of Mandi—known as the "Chhoti Kashi"—capture widespread attention, the hill folk of Shimla district celebrate the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in their own unique way.

Rooted in deep tradition and spirituality, this celebration is a blend of ritual, legend, and a feast of rare pahari delicacies, prepared over several days.

Tracing the Legend: The Sacred Marriage at Bakunthdham

Himachal Pradesh, often referred to as "Dev Bhoomi," has long been associated with Lord Shiva.

Folklore narrates that after an intense period of penance, Goddess Parvati won Lord Shiva's heart, leading to their celestial wedding.

It is believed that the mountains of Himachal witnessed this sacred union, making Mahashivratri one of the most revered festivals in the region.

In the hills, this divine marriage is symbolically re-enacted, particularly in rural villages where every household becomes a part of the grand festivity.

Unlike the temple processions of Mandi, villages in Shimla district celebrate Mahashivratri through special ceremonial food offerings.

At the heart of the ritual is 'Rott'—a large, thick roti made of multi-grain flour, including barley (jau), wheat, maize, koda, and chaulai.

This sacred bread, cooked on a traditional tava, is placed at the puja altar as an offering to Shiva and Parvati, marking the beginning of their divine marriage reception at Bakunthdham, the mythical abode of Shiva.

A Feast of Sacred Delicacies

Over two to three days, households prepare an array of traditional pahari dishes, many of which have been passed down through generations. These include:

Malpuras – Deep-fried sweet  wheat flour pancakes of jaggery 

Chulve Gulva – A sweet dish made of ogla flour and jaggery

Shakli– Special rice -based crisp  snacks 

Vada – Savory black dal mash fritters

Poldus or Babru – Deep-fried wheat dough snacks

Siddu – A steamed wheat bun stuffed with poppy seed or mash  paste

Each of these dishes is prepared with devotion, reflecting the agrarian roots of the pahari community.

The ingredients are chosen for their ability to provide warmth and nourishment during the cold winter months, a reminder of how local traditions are deeply intertwined with nature.

Faja—The Sacred Green Offering

In the harsh winter months of the Himalayas, flowering plants are rare.

However, one tree, Pyrus pashia—locally known as Faja—blooms during this season. Considered a divine blessing, its green twigs, known as Faja, are ritually placed on the ceremonial offerings.

These sacred leaves  symbolize nature’s endurance and are believed to be Lord Shiva’s favorite, as they are the only greenery found in villages at this time of year.

Rott, Bakra, and the Symbolic Marriage Procession

On the sacred Rott, symbolic figures of a goat (Bakra) and a small offering (Chailu), all crafted from the same multi-grain flour, are placed.

These represent the sacred livestock, which are seen as participants in Shiva’s marriage procession.

The puja podium is adorned with garlanded images of Shiva and Parvati, alongside depictions of Jyotirlingas and Shaktipeeths.

The rituals continue with overnight prayers, bhajans, and recitations of Shiva’s glories.

The offerings remain untouched for three days, symbolizing the completion of the marriage ceremonies.

The Tradition of Sending ‘Ghirtis’ to Married Daughters

Mahashivratri in the Shimla hills is not just about devotion to Lord Shiva—it is also a time for families to reconnect and uphold age-old customs.

In the erstwhile princely state of Jubbal, an endearing tradition has been followed for generations. On the day after Mahashivratri, the special festive dishes are lovingly packed in Ghirtis— bamboo  containers—and sent to the married daughters of the family.

It symbolizes the parents' blessings and love, ensuring that their daughters, now living in another household, still feel connected to their parental home.

Though the tradition of using Ghirtis has faded over time, the essence of the ritual remains alive. Today, instead of earthen pots, these delicacies are neatly packaged and couriered to daughters, keeping the emotional bond intact.

The practice is a touching reminder of the deep-rooted respect for married daughters in pahari culture, where they continue to be cherished and included in all major celebrations.

Mahashivratri in the Heart of the Himalayas

For the pahari people, Mahashivratri is more than just a festival—it is a sacred tradition that binds them to their cultural roots, their land, and their faith.

While the rest of India observes the night of Shiva’s great cosmic dance, the villagers of Himachal celebrate it as a momentous occasion—the divine wedding that blessed their sacred mountains  the abode of Lord Shiv.

And so, in the quiet of these snow-covered hills, amid the aroma of freshly cooked Rott and the warmth of flickering diyas, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are welcomed home once again.