Gorkha Community Celebrates Vibrant Traditional Festival in Bagijan

Bagijan, Gohpur – The Gorkha community is celebrating their traditional festival with vibrant enthusiasm, marking a significant cultural event across the state. The atmosphere in Bagijan, a part of the Gohpur subdivision, is electric as families come together to partake in the festivities that honor their rich heritage.

The celebrations, coinciding with the Diwali season, span five joyous days filled with tradition and community spirit. Households in Bagijan and Gohpur are buzzing with activity as families extend their hospitality by engaging in the beloved practice of Deusi-Bhailo during the evenings. This cherished tradition sees groups of singers and dancers visiting homes to bless families and share festive cheer, symbolizing goodwill and unity within the community.

The festival kicks off with Kaori Tihar, where families honor their ancestors, followed by Kukur Tihar, celebrating the bond between humans and dogs. The third day is dedicated to Lakshmi Tihar, or Gai Tihar, during which cows, revered in Hindu culture, are worshipped. The celebrations continue with Govardhan Puja, commemorating Lord Krishna’s victory over Indra, and conclude with Bhai Tika, a day devoted to honoring brothers and their protective role over their sisters.

At the heart of the festival are the Deusi and Bhailo songs, traditional folk melodies that have their origins in Nepal. These songs have found their way into the Darjeeling hills, Sikkim, Assam, and various regions in India where the Gorkhali diaspora resides. Both children and adults participate enthusiastically in Deusi/Bhailo, singing, dancing, and visiting homes to collect money, sweets, and food while imparting blessings for prosperity upon their hosts.

Typically, Bhailo is performed by girls and women on the evening of Lakshmi Puja, while Deusi is sung by boys and men the following night. In a contemporary twist, it has become common for mixed groups to perform either or both songs on their respective nights. Those who sing Bhailo are referred to as Bhailini, and the boys who perform Deusi are known as Deuse. After their performances, it is customary for hosts to offer food and monetary gifts as a gesture of gratitude, while the Deusi/Bhailo performers reciprocate by imparting blessings of fortune and abundance.

This year’s festivities not only celebrate cultural traditions but also strengthen community bonds, ensuring the spirit of unity and joy thrives among the Gorkha community. As families come together to celebrate, the festival serves as a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that is woven throughout the region.