Himachal Girls Mark Lord Shiva's Wedding Anniversary

January 29, 2006

Shimla (January 28, 2006) Contemporary living and tradition come

uniquely together in scenic Himachal Pradesh.

The marriage ceremony of Chhotu-Budda reflects this in more ways

than one. The ceremony is usually held between two little girls to

mark the marriage of Lord Shiva and the Goddess Parvathi.

The ceremony of Chhottu-Budda finds great expression in Himachal

Pradesh's Kullu district. The village of Nimrad is said to be the

place where Shiva and Parvathi wed.

Nirmad has a religious and cultural heritage. This village observes

Shiva-Parvathi's marriage after the Makar Sakranti.

"Young girls wearing attires of bride and bridegroom perform all the

rituals performed in a marriage. There is a legend that centuries

ago lord Shiva and goddess Parvati got married here in Nirmand

village of Himachal Pradesh. Since then, we perform this ceremony to

carry forward the traditional belief and traditions of the village.

This ceremony is performed for seven days, " says Deepak Sharma, a

villager.

"Kanya Dan" Var poojan" is also performed here. During this time, we

play traditional musical instruments. This is an initiative to keep

alive the cultural and rich traditions of this region," says

Bishesher Singh, a local journalist.

Young girls between seven and twelve years of age perform this

ceremony. Both girls take seven customary rounds of a religious

stone for calling it a marriage. Women sing traditional marriage

songs on the occasion. Music is played by the local drum-beaters.

Parents and other people dance with the young 'Bride and Groom'.

Many such marriages are performed during the first half of Magh

month. Chhotu-Budda is being celebrated for the last many centuries

in Nimrad village. Believed to be an ancient village of India, the

ancient heritage of this village is being researched upon by

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). (ANI)

SOURCE: WebIndia123.com

id=232617&n_date=20060128&cat=India

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