Dashain commences in Hills with vibrant Phulpati Rally

REZA PRADHAN

DARJEELING, : The "Dashain" festivities of the Nepali community began on Monday with a vibrant Phulpati rally in the Hills.

Jointly organized by the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) Information and Cultural Affairs (INCA) Department and the Phulpati Samaroh Ayojak Samiti, the rally commenced from the Darjeeling Motor Stand and various local temples, culminating at Chowrasta where a cultural programme was also held.

Bhanu Kanta Ghisingh, assistant director of the GTA INCA department, said, “On the day of Saptami, a Phulpati Shobha Yatra has been held for many years. This rally reflects our traditions and culture, and our department has been consistently organizing it.”

The Phulpati rally is an annual feature of Dussehra celebrations across Nepali-populated regions. In Darjeeling, people from various Gorkha communities took part in the rally dressed in traditional attire, accompanied by traditional musical instruments. The event showcased age-old customs such as decorated palanquins carrying sacred flowers, leaves, and sugarcane tied in red cloth, which were carried through the streets. It is believed that walking beneath the palanquin absolves one of their sins.

The unique tradition involves community members collecting flowers, petals, and offerings from their homes and local temples to present at a prominent mandir, as a gesture of devotion to Goddess Durga. Young girls and boys, dressed as various Hindu gods and goddesses, also joined the procession. One popular belief behind this custom is that children, seen as pure, embody innocence and attract divine blessings.

Phulpati, observed on the day of Saptami, marks the formal start of Dashain celebrations in the Nepali community. It is followed by a series of rituals and customs in the coming days. On Maha Ashtami, familiesgather for a grand feast. On Maha Navami, animal sacrifices, once a common ritual, have now largely disappeared from the Hills.

Vijaya Dashami, which signifies the culmination of Durga Puja elsewhere, marks the true beginning of celebration for the Nepali community. Families visit one another dressed in new clothes, carrying sweets and fruits. Elders bless younger members by applying tika (a mixture of rice grains, curd, and vermilion) on their foreheads, along with giving them jamara (sacred wheatgrass) and dakshina (token money), wishing them prosperity in the years ahead. A festive meal featuring local cuisine usually follows.

The celebrations continue until Purnima, the full moon.

Not just locals but also tourists were seen enjoying the festive atmosphere at Chowrasta. Many expressed delight at witnessing such a unique and colourful tradition.

“We’re really enjoying the festivities-especially the vibrant traditional clothing. This is the first time I’ve experienced anything like this,” said Srijoy from Tollygunge.