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About Igas Bagwal

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About Igas Bagwal

Igas Bagwal is the Diwali of Garhwal in Uttarakhand, kept eleven days after the main Diwali, on the Ekadashi of the bright half of Kartik. In Garhwali, bagwal means Diwali and igas comes from ekadashi, the eleventh day.

Folk tales give two reasons for the late Diwali. One says the news of Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya reached the far hills eleven days late. Another says the brave Garhwali general Madho Singh Bhandari came home victorious on this day, and the people lit lamps for him.

The highlight of the night is bhailo: bundles of resin-rich pine wood tied with rope, lit and swung in bright circles while people dance the jhumelo and chanchari to the beat of dhol and damau. Homes are lit with diyas.

Cattle are bathed, decorated and fed a special meal, and families cook swale, pakode and other hill dishes. Uttarakhand now marks Igas as a state holiday, and Garhwali families in cities hold Igas evenings to keep the custom alive.

How people celebrate Igas Bagwal

  • Swinging the blazing bhailo
  • Lighting diyas eleven days after Diwali
  • Jhumelo and chanchari dances to dhol and damau
  • Bathing and feeding the cattle
  • Swale, pakode and other Garhwali dishes
  • Family gatherings in the village

How to wish well

  • "Igas Bagwal ki shubhkamnayein" is a warm way to greet Garhwali friends.
  • A wish that remembers the village, the bhailo and the dhol will touch people who live far from the hills.
  • Igas falls on Devuthani Ekadashi, so a blessing for the home and the cattle suits the day.
  • Send wishes in the evening, when the bhailo is lit.

Questions about Igas Bagwal

When is Igas Bagwal?

Eleven days after Diwali, on the Ekadashi of the bright half of Kartik, in November. The date for each year is shown on this page.

Why is Igas celebrated eleven days after Diwali?

Folk tales say the news of Lord Rama's return reached the hills eleven days late. Another tale says the Garhwali general Madho Singh Bhandari came home victorious on this day.

What is bhailo?

A bundle of pine wood tied with rope. It is lit and swung around in bright circles as people dance on Igas night.

What food is made on Igas?

Families cook swale, pakode, urad dal dishes and sweets, and the cattle get a special meal.

Is Igas a holiday in Uttarakhand?

Yes, Uttarakhand gives a holiday for Igas Bagwal.

What is the difference between Igas and Diwali?

Diwali comes first, on the new moon of Kartik. Igas is the Garhwali Diwali eleven days later, with bhailo fire, folk dance and care for the cattle.

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