Uttarakhand is known for its unique rituals and traditions. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, this region is home to many festivals and fairs that distinguish it from other states in India. One such celebration is the Ramman Festival.
Ramman Festival
The Rammman festival is celebrated in the remote village of Salur Dungra in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. This small village has successfully preserved this traditional festival, passing it down to the new generation. According to reports, this festival is over 500 years old. Due to its unique cultural significance, it was included in UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2009.
Rammman is a form of "Mask Dance" (Makhota) that is celebrated with grandeur every year in the month of April. During this nine-day festival, characters from the Ramayana and other local deities' stories are enacted through dance. The performances are accompanied by the beats of drums and cymbals.
The Ramayana in Ramman
According to scholars, the Rammman festival derives its name and significance from the Ramayana. Some believe that these performances were originally meant to promote the revival of Hinduism in India, with Shankaracharya playing a key role in spreading the religion. However, the truth behind these claims has yet to be fully verified.
Despite similar mask dances being popular in other parts of India, Ramman holds a distinct identity among the various dance forms of India. The festival not only involves the worship of gods and goddesses but also conveys messages of local deities' tales, environmental awareness, and social unity.
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Special Features of Ramman
The Ramman festival begins with the worship of the village's guardian deity, Bhumiya Devta. On the day of Baisakhi, the village priest announces the dates of the festival, which typically starts on the 9th or 11th day of Baisakhi. For ten days, Bhumiya Devta, a local deity, is honored with offerings of greenery (sprouted barley), symbolizing prosperity and the growth of agriculture and forest resources.
Throughout the festival, scenes from the Ramayana are enacted, depicting key events such as the birth of Lord Ram, his exile, the abduction of Sita, and the burning of Lanka. During these performances, 18 mask-wearing dancers perform in sync to 18 different rhythms, celebrating the 18 Puranas.
Other Rituals of Ramman
The festival begins with the invocation of Lord Ganesh, followed by dances that depict the challenges faced by buffalo herders (Mwar-Mwarin), the dance of a trading couple (Baniya-Baniyan), and the dance of Lord Krishna and Radha.
At the end of the festival, Bhumiya Devta resides at a selected household in the village. This family is chosen by the village panchayat, and the deity stays there until the next Rammman festival.
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How to Reach Salur-Dungra (Ramman Festival)
By Air: The nearest airport to Salur-Dungra is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 292 km away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Salur-Dungra.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, which is about 272 km away. From here, you can take local buses or taxis to reach Salur-Dungra.
By Road: Salur-Dungra is well-connected by road. It is approximately 300 km from Dehradun, and you can travel via NH 7. Regular buses and taxis are available from major cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun to Chamoli, from where you can take a local vehicle to reach Salur-Dungra.
Local Transport: After reaching Chamoli, shared jeeps and local buses frequently run to Salur-Dungra. However, their frequency reduces in the evening, so it’s advisable to start the journey early in the morning.
Travel Tip: Plan your visit during the Ramman festival (April or May) to experience the vibrant celebrations. Since the village has limited accommodation options, it’s recommended to book in advance.
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Q&A on Ramman Festival
Q1: What is the Ramman festival?
Ans: Rammman is a traditional Garhwali festival celebrated in the Salur-Dungra village of Uttarakhand. The festival brings the religious and cultural traditions to life through performances of Ramayana stories, mask dances, and music.
Q2: When and where is the Rammman festival celebrated?
Ans: The Rammman festival is celebrated in the Salur-Dungra village of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. It begins on the 9th or 11th day of Baisakhi and lasts for ten days.
Q3: What is the main attraction of the Rammman festival?
Ans: The main attraction is the enactment of Ramayana scenes through mask dances, singing of "Jagar," and traditional dances like "Mal Dance."
Q4: Who is Bhumiya Devta?
Ans: Bhumiya Devta is the guardian deity of the Salur-Dungra village. During the festival, the deity blesses each household in the village with prosperity.
Q5: What is the religious and social significance of Ramman?
Ans: This festival is an extraordinary blend of religion and society, where people unite beyond caste, creed, and class to participate and uphold traditions.
Q6: What dances are performed during Ramman?
Ans: Several dances are performed, including Ganesh-Parvati dance, Sun God dance, Mwar-Mwarin dance, Baniya-Baniyan dance, and Kurjogi ceremony.
Q7: How does the Ramman festival begin?
Ans: The festival begins with the worship and dance of Lord Ganesh.
Q8: Is Rammman recognized by UNESCO?
Ans: Yes, the Rammman festival has been included in UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Q9: What is the significance of "Jagar" in Ramman?
Ans: "Jagar" is a musical presentation of local legends and religious tales, which is a key element of the festival.
Q10: What do the villagers do during the Ramman festival?
Ans: The villagers worship Bhumiya Devta, offer greenery, enact Ramayana stories, and participate in communal dances and games.
Focus Keywords: Ramman Festival, Uttarakhand Folk Festival, Salur-Dungra Village, Chamoli District, Bhumiya Devta, Ramayana Stories, Mask Dance, Jagar, Garhwali Culture, Traditional Dance, Garhwali Festival, Baisakhi Festival, Uttarakhand Traditions, Religious Festival, UNESCO Cultural Heritage, Rammman Dances, Garhwal Temples, Folk Art Festival, Uttarakhand Travel
This entire article was originally written by Deepak Bisht for wegarhwali.com. With his permission, it has been translated into English. If you find any errors, please feel free to let us know. :)