NAWALA
Nawala is a festival of Gaddi tribe inhabiting the valleys of Kangra, Chamba and some parts of mandi and Kullu. And I belong to district Hamirpur, so I never heard about Nawal in my life. As from last one and half year I am leaving in Dharamshala I came to know about this amazing festival Nawala. And thankfully I got chance to watch this festival live at one of my friend house. It was one of the best experience in my life. This is celebrated individually at a time when a householder thinks it proper, but it is a must once in a life time.
Gaddis always invoke Shiva's help in misfortunes, ailments and for success in certain undertaking. While doing so, they undertake to perform His worship. The special prayer is called Nawala and may be offered at the time of the marriage, on the construction of a new house, recovery from illness, etc. This is a sort of thank-giving service offered to their deity Shiva.
Navwala is said to have been derived from the word Navmala, meaning a new garland. During the performance of Nawala, Shiva is worshipped at night. Inside the house a square Mandala of rice flour is drawn, in the centre of the room a Shivapindi is placed on it.
Also, heaps of wheat flour and pulses are made which denote the Kailash and other hills. Then an artistic garland of seasonal flowers is prepared and hung from a hook in the ceiling over the Pindi. A priest conducts the ceremony and a person performing the Nawala makes the offering and in some cases the sacrifice may be confined to a coconut only. Devotional songs dedicated to shiva are sung throughout the night. These songs are called Ainchali. The Oracle is summoned who goes into a trance as soon as the sacrifices are offered to shiva. He is said to be possessed to Lord himself. He answera questions put to him by members as the households and their friends present. This function lasts till the midnight and all other except the members of the household and their near relatives then depart. Next day a feast is given in which all friends and relatives are invited and the Nawala comes to an end.
Gaddis always invoke Shiva's help in misfortunes, ailments and for success in certain undertaking. While doing so, they undertake to perform His worship. The special prayer is called Nawala and may be offered at the time of the marriage, on the construction of a new house, recovery from illness, etc. This is a sort of thank-giving service offered to their deity Shiva.
Navwala is said to have been derived from the word Navmala, meaning a new garland. During the performance of Nawala, Shiva is worshipped at night. Inside the house a square Mandala of rice flour is drawn, in the centre of the room a Shivapindi is placed on it.
Also, heaps of wheat flour and pulses are made which denote the Kailash and other hills. Then an artistic garland of seasonal flowers is prepared and hung from a hook in the ceiling over the Pindi. A priest conducts the ceremony and a person performing the Nawala makes the offering and in some cases the sacrifice may be confined to a coconut only. Devotional songs dedicated to shiva are sung throughout the night. These songs are called Ainchali. The Oracle is summoned who goes into a trance as soon as the sacrifices are offered to shiva. He is said to be possessed to Lord himself. He answera questions put to him by members as the households and their friends present. This function lasts till the midnight and all other except the members of the household and their near relatives then depart. Next day a feast is given in which all friends and relatives are invited and the Nawala comes to an end.
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