Budhi Diwali

It is Documentary film of 20 Minutes based on the Celebration of a Traditional festival of Budhi Diwali. This festival is organised in the villages of remote areas of Shillai and Sangrah Tehsils of Sirmour District in Himachal Pradesh in North India. Though Diwali festival has its roots in the Ramayana when lord Ram returned to Ayodya from exile (Banwas). But, Budhi Diwali celebration is connected with returning of Lord Ram, people don't agree with this. The villagers of Sangrah & Shilai blocks, where Budhi Diwali is held, belive that the festival has its roots in Mahabharat. People here rejoice in gaiety and fesnow to celebrate the victory of Pandavs over Kouravs. Drabil is one of the villages where Budhi Diwali festival is celebrated with fanfare. According to legends, the festival is held to commemorate the crowning of Dharamraj Yudhishtra as a king after the victory of Pandvas over Kourav Sena.Though Diwali festival has its roots in the Ramayana when lord Ram returned to Ayodya from exile (Banwas). But, Budhi Diwali celebration is connected with returning of Lord Ram, people don't agree with this. The villagers of Sangrah & Shilai blocks, where Budhi Diwali is held, belive that the festival has its roots in Mahabharat. People here rejoice in gaiety and fesnow to celebrate the victory of Pandavs over Kouravs. Drabil is one of the villages where Budhi Diwali festival is celebrated with fanfare. According to legends, the festival is held to commemorate the crowning of Dharamraj Yudhishtra as a king after the victory of Pandvas over Kourav Sena.One of another attraction of the Budhi Diwali of Drabil village is that Rasa Nritya is performed here by wearing the traditional costume known as Choltu in local dialect.
The Rasa Dance in Choltu is a major attraction since all the male dancers keep on moving in a circle for hours togather. When each male dancer wear white costume of Choltu and dance in the rythem of folk music in a circle, It appears that the entire etmosphare around the village Drabil is filled up with white flowers regaling the audience.
Budhi Diwali festival of Drabil is a rare example of preserving their cultural heritage which has kept alive its distinct identity and flavor since times immemorial. The positive aspect of this festivity is that even the impact of modernity could not dampen the traditional style of Budhi Diwali, which has had been so close to their core of heart .