Surat Ram’s daring ninth stint as the human beda in the ancient Bhunda ritual captivated the crowd, but growing safety concerns around the sacred tradition cast a shadow over the celebrations.

DALGAON/KUTARA(ROHRU): Spail Valley came alive as thousands gathered to witness the grand Bhunda Mahayagya. Surat Ram performed the iconic Human Beda for the ninth time.

But the event saw moments of panic when the 250-meter-long sacred rope snapped before the performance.
This wasn’t just any rope. It was handwoven by Surat Ram and his helpers over six months in the premises of Bakralu Devta, the presiding deity of Spail Valley.

There was no replacement. The broken rope had to be adjusted and shortened to 80 meters for the ritual to continue.
Panic and Adjustments
The snapping of the rope left the crowd of nearly one lakh spectators in shock. The SDM, DSP, and police scrambled to control the situation.

Everyone knew the stakes. If the rope had snapped mid-slide, it could have been fatal for Surat Ram.

After three tense hours, the organizers managed to re-tie the sacred rope, cut  the span by more than half.  Local administration had tough time.

With adjustments made, Surat Ram prepared for his descent.

But why did rope snap?  Some said it was due to the substandard rope fiber imported from outside, and there was some  woman who volunteered to offer fiber for the purpose, which acquired fungus. 
The Ritual Begins
Before the performance, priests performed symbolic last rites. 
He was brought on the Palqui of the Guest Devta to the lower end in a roaring procession.

He got down from the Palqui and met his family members as he could die in the attempt. He was then taken to the higher end by traditional Pujaris on their shoulders.
Amidst this emotionally charged moment, the elders of the family offered a small prayer of gratitude for his safe return, acknowledging the divine blessings that protected him.

The Palquis of Guest and Bakralu, Maheshwar, Baundra, and Maurish Devtas also waited for the human Beda at the lower end.
Surat Ram, tied to the wooden Kathi, was treated as a soul ready for sacrifice. Prayers were offered to deities like Maheshwar, Narsingh, and Bakralu Devta.
Finally, Surat Ram began sliding down the sacred rope. The valley erupted in cheers. But midway, disaster almost struck again. He got stuck.

For a few heart-stopping moments, the crowd held its breath. But Surat Ram, showing incredible skill and resolve, climbed through the rope with his bare hands and continued his descent.
A Sacred Offering
When he reached the bottom, the crowd surged forward. Thousands touched his Kathi, coins, and body, believing him to be a divine messenger.

For the people of Spail Valley, Surat Ram’s performance is a sacred offering to the gods.
He was carried back to the Bakaru Devta temple in a grand procession. Devotees placed him in a palki, chanting prayers of gratitude and joy.

Present in premises of Bakralu devta were Vikramaditya Singh, scion of Rampur Bushair State.

But he didn't step down to the Beda site. 
Safety Concerns Raised
The snapping of the rope has raised serious questions. Many said it was sheer luck that it didn’t break during the slide. The organizers acknowledged the risk and promised to revisit safety protocols.
For Surat Ram’s family, the performance was nerve-wracking.

They sighed in relief as he safely completed the ritual. If he performs the Beda one more time, he will earn the title of Brahmin, solidifying his legendary status in the valley.
Celebration Across the Valley
As the event ended, the valley was alive with celebration, but everybody went back home with many questions.

Villagers walked back through narrow paths and apple orchards, their way lit by mobile torches. They lines jammed, paths were jammed, roads were jammed.

Families hosted relatives and friends, and the valley’s married daughters returned to visit their parents visiting homes one by one, a culture tradition cementing relationships.

Though a few overzealous revelers were seen dozing in orchards, no major incidents occurred. The police ensured the event was safe and smooth.

The third day of Bhunda Mahayagya followed by Shikha Pher on January 3.

The  snapping of Rope and  the midway Glitches have raised many  questions.

But sea of humanity present at the site symbolizes  faith and unity as people watched the whole scene patiently.

Surat Ram’s courage, faith, and dedication left a lasting impression on everyone present.