Hati Tribe's Vibrant Festival 'Boda Tyohar' Kicks Off in Himachal, Celebrating Tribal Identity
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In a vibrant display of cultural heritage, the month-long 'Boda Tyohar' festival has begun in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmour district, marking a significant celebration for the Hati tribe. The festival, which started on January 9, is a testament to the tribe's distinct culture and primitive traditions. The Hati tribe, numbering over three lakh members, has been demanding tribal status for 56 years, a demand that was finally met by the Government of India on August 4, 2023, after a series of survey reports from top social scientists. The community is now recognized as a Scheduled Tribe. 'Boda Tyohar', also known as 'Magho ko Tyohar', is a festival that showcases the tribe's unique traditions and customs. The celebration is divided into three mini festivals, each with its own set of rituals and customs. Community members gather to cook traditional dishes, such as Pude, Bedoli, and Patanday, and offer them to their deity. The festival is a time for family reunions, as members rush to their native villages to join their families. In many villages, the festivities begin in the 'Sanjha Angan', where the temple of the village deity 'Thari Devi' is located. The tradition of 'Bhatioj' is observed, where the festival starts from the temple of Kul Devta. Throughout the month, the community comes together to sing and dance to traditional music instruments, symbolizing the importance of women in Hati culture. The 'Khoda' festival is celebrated on the eighth day, with friends and relatives invited as guests. A unique tradition on this day involves offering a cooked heart of a male goat to the most respected guest. The 'Boidoot' tradition, which starts after the 'Khoda' festivity, involves inviting a member of every family in the village and close relatives for dinner at least once a month. This festival is a celebration of the Hati tribe's rich cultural heritage and its struggle for recognition as a Scheduled Tribe.
