The Airachang Festival | Chagaon Kinnaur | Ancient Tribes of Himalaya | India | Festival of Mahadev

The Airachang festival is celebrated in the village of Chagaon, located in the Kinnaur district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. This festival is unique to Chagaon and is not celebrated in other parts of Kinnaur. It is a joyous occasion that commemorates the ripening of barley in Chagaon. Compared to other parts of Kinnaur, Chagaon village experiences relatively warmer weather and boasts fertile land. In ancient times, when food was scarce, and poverty prevailed, the ripening of barley brought great happiness to the people. Other villagers would also visit Chagaon to obtain barley, leading to the establishment of this celebration.

On this day, the deity Chagaon Maheshwar Ji, accompanied by Chagaon Narayan Ji, visits Malashting, a short hike from the Deglang temple. Five individuals from different parts of Chagaon bring the holy flower Skimmia laureola (known as Shashuri in Kinnaur) from the higher altitude of Pagramang peaks. These flowers are offered to the deities Maheshwar Ji and Narayan Ji and then distributed among the villagers. Chagaon Mahadev is the first deity to receive these holy flowers from a higher altitude during the Jaistha Month, even before the Fulaich festival in Kinnaur. After receiving the flowers from the deities, the people dance in a circular motion. They believe that Goddess Bhabhrang Naagin comes to meet with Devta Maheshwar Ji on this day. A Grokch (a medium of God/Mali) adorns female ornaments and transforms into Goddess Naagin, performing traditional dances (Naagin Kayang) of 3-5 rounds and pouring water from the Kro (a type of deity's idol). Afterwards, Mahadev and Narayan Devta bid farewell to Goddess Bhabhrang Naagin.

While returning to the main temple, people, along the way, throw dirty water on the pilgrims and deities to render Mahadev impure. This is done so that if Bhabhrang Naagin accompanies Devta Mahadev, she can return to her abode in the higher Himalayas, as she cannot stay in impure surroundings. It is believed that if Goddess Bhabhrang Naagin enters the village, some disaster may come. On the way to the main temple, Mahadev's wife, Goddess Shasho Durga, emerges from the old temple and presents new attire to Mahadev. They then proceed to the main temple, dancing with Goddess Durga, Mahadev, and Narayan Ji. This marks the conclusion of the first day of this joyful festival.

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Created By: Bharat Bhushan Negi
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Special Thanks:
Suryakant Negi
Gian Pratap (Pujari Mahadev Ji)
Chander Lal (Suchaři Mahadev Ji)
Satya Dev (Mohatamim Mahadev Ji)
Amir Singh (Shu Mathas Mahadev Ji)
Surender Singh (Kayath Mahadev Ji)
Ganit Ram (Shu Mathas Mahadev Ji)
Bhag Sein (Shu Mathas Vishnu Narayan Ji)
Babu Ram Soni (Musician)
Ram Lal (Musician)
People of Chagaon Village
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