Kandali Festival
कंडालीKumaon region · the Chaudans valley, Pithoragarh
What Kandali Festival marks
A rare festival of the Rung (Shauka) community of the Chaudans valley in Pithoragarh, held only when the kandali shrub flowers, which happens roughly once in twelve years. It recalls a legend in which a mother lost her son and the plant became a symbol to be ritually cut down.
How it's celebrated
The community gathers in traditional dress, sings and dances, and ceremonially uproots the flowering kandali in a symbolic vanquishing of grief and misfortune. It is one of the region's most distinctive tribal festivals.