Dalgaon/Kutara/Shimla: The historic Bhunda Mahayagya, a rare cultural and religious spectacle, returns to the Spail Valley after a gap of 40 years.

Starting January 2, 2025, this four-day religious extravaganza will unfold in this apple belt of Rohru amidst crisp cold air and lush blue skies.

 Thousands of devotees and spectators are expected to gather in Dalgaon, Kutara, Gawna, Kashkandi, Bhraitli, Bishtari, Bhawnara, and other villages and pay their tributes to the presiding lord whose Devthi was revamped recently and needs to be sanctified  by Bhunda sacrifice to regain its  devic  powers. 

A Ritual Like No Other

The Bhunda Mahayagya, deeply rooted in the ancient Nar Medh Yagya, symbolizes devotion, sacrifice, and divine grace. Traditionally held every 50-60 years, this year’s celebration comes after an nterval of 40 years.

The event carries immense significance, attracting people from across erstwhile   Bushair  and Jubbal states and other places.

The major  attraction of  the Bhunda is the Beda Ritual, a daring rope descent performed by Surat Ram of Dalgaon, who traditionally comes from the family of low caste craftsman.

Sliding down a 200-ft Munji rope,  woven from the  special long grass tied between elevated points at a designated site, this act tests courage and faith and vow to make sacrifice to Devta even it means death while attemptingthe rope trick.

Surat Ram, performing it for the ninth time, aims for a tenth successful attempt. If he succeeds, he will achieve the revered title of Dvij (twice-born).

Transforming the Valley

Over ₹100  crore has been spent on preparations over the years, reveal devotees wih each family spending on renovationand new construction ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

Eleven villages, from  Kansa Koti, Kutara to  Dalgaon, entire spail  Valley has  been transformed into hubs of celebration.

Homes blend tradition and modernity, and decorative lights illuminate the valley at night. Local authorities, including DC Shimla and SDM Rohru, have supervised arrangements. Special HRTC buses and a one-way traffic system have been deployed for smooth movement.

The Four-Day Extravaganza

Day 1 – Sanghera (January 2)
The festivities begin at Dalgaon’s Chakandi premises. The sacred meeting of deities—Devta Bakralu of Dalgaon, Ektanga of Kutara, Baundra of Bachoonch, and Maheshwar of Pujrali and Maurish of Rantari and Parshuram of Guma Chirgaon —sets the tone.

While Ektanga stay put at Kutara   the  devlus (procession heads) of  guest devtas take designated spots at Chakandi in the premises of Bakralu, host of the Bhunda Maha Yagya where rituals commence.

Day 2 – Shikha Pher and Chabarchani (January3)
Deities perform Shikha Pher  that involve the sacrifice of the lambs at four Shikhas of Devthi. The Devta takes a symbolic territorial tour which is performed by  Kashkandi Brahmins. No one except its main priest and Moutmeen are allowed in its sanctum. 

Devotees from 11 villages under Devta Bakralu gather for the liturgical rituals and its prasad  and feasting, strengthening community bonds and gettingblessings of good crops and prosperity.

Day 3 – The Beda Ritual (January4)
The breathtaking Beda Ritual sees Surat Ram slide down the rope with sandbags strapped to his Beda that keep balance. Villagers chant prayers, invoking divine blessings. If successful, he will be carried on Devta Bakralu’s palki amid drumrolls and celebrations.

The Raths of the Devtas wait for the Beda. As soon as he reaches the lower end, there follows a  commotion among the devotees to first touch the Beda. By doing so, they believe that they and their families are blessed by the Devtas. 

Day 4 – Uchar Pachar (January 5)
The deities bid farewell in a grand finale. They return to their abodes, leaving blessings for the valley. Festivities conclude with joyous celebrations of devotion and pride.

A Legacy of Faith

Devta Bakralu, is believed to be Kali Putra, presides over the Spail Valley.  Old timer recalled Bakralu Devthi was small and nondescript in 1970s.

It was revamped on a grand scale in 2004 and thereafter under the stewardship of its Moutmeen Late PrithviRaj Machhan with villagers joining in. 

The present Bhunda Mahayagya is being ceremonised under the present Moutmeen Raghunath Jamta  

Ektanga (one-legge based in Kutara is believed to be a soldier(Bir) of Bakralu due to a legendary battle that he fought with a Sirmauri king in the past. He lost his one leg and is hence worshipped as Ektanga.

Bakralu is believed to have come from Dalog  other sude of Sungri in his bid to protect  people from  hardships like crop failure and hailstorms  in the valley. His allies—Ektanga, Baundra, Maheshwar and Maurish—reinforce the valley’s cultural  heritage are interesting related. 

They join each other when Bhunda is performed in their  territory. 

The Bhunda’s origins trace back centuries to the erstwhile Rampur Bushair State.

Historically, the Beda ritual was believed to be synonymous with 'human sacrifice'  and is performed in the Erstwhile Bushair state only. Bhunda means sacrifice and is performed by Human Beda, whose survival was dim in the past.

  But now, safety nets are in place. The last Bhunda in Bachoonch (2013) drew over 100,000 participants. 

Earlier Bhunda in Dalgaon was performed in 1936 -37  and then in 1980, informed locals. 

This year’s Bhunda is special due to its long hiatus. It strengthens ties with ancestors and divine guardians, reflecting the unbroken bond between people and their deities who are believed to be the harbinger of prosperity.

Revamped Devthis of Bakralu and Kali ki Kothi will be sanctified by the Maha yagya, said the devotees. 

Government Support

The state government has extended full support. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized the cultural importance of the Bhunda. "This grand event highlights our rich heritage," he said.

Preparations have been reviewed, ensuring logistical support and smooth execution.

As Dalgaon-Kutara readies itself for this monumental event, the Bhunda Mahayagya promises to be a vibrant celebration of faith, courage, and tradition.