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The
Hilljatra, which is being celebrated in some parts of
Pithoragarh district, is essentially the festival of
pastoralists and agriculturalists. In the developmental
process, the aathon (eighth day of bhado) and Gawra
Visarjan also became the part of Hilljatra. The festival,
which basically came to the Sor valley from the Sorar (Mahakali)
region of West Nepal, was first introduced in Kumaour
village. The Jatra was also accepted by the people of
Bajethi, another village near Pithoragarh town and with
some modifications it was introduced in Kanalichhina and
Askot regions as Hiran Chital.
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The Hilljatra is related to ropai (the plantation of
paddy) and other agricultural and pastoral labours of the
rainy season (Hill = mud, Jatra = Jaat). It has also been
connected with the victory of the Champawat ruler. There
is another story that Kuru, the representative of a Chand
King, who went to Sorar (Nepal) to participate in the
hilljatra, was able to sacrifice a buffalo with horns
covering the neck. The people became happy and wanted to
present Kuru a gift.
Kuru thought of introducing this festival in Sor valley
and asked for four masks, Lakhiabhoot, Halwaha, two
bullocks, and one implement - the Nepali plough. In this
way, the hilljatra was introduced in Sor.
In the first part of jatra, worship and the ritual
sacrifice of goats is performed, and in the second part,
different pastoral and agricultural activities are
presented in a dramatic way. The masks are very expressive
and this is the most entertaining part of the festival.
In the third and last part, the songs are recited with the
performance of circle dance (Chanchari). It continues late
into the night. The songs are traditional as well as new
and popular. The hilljatra is a living tradition and all
care should be taken to preserve its style in a rapidly
changing society.
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