Deer AT THE Door

EACH DAY, two villages, spread almost across an area of five kilometres, are chosen for the procession, which begins at around six in the evening and lasts till ten at night. While kids are the highlight of the procession, elderly folks accompany them to ensure safety. As the deer makes a stop in front of every household, the residents give grains such as maize and wheat along with coins to the kids. Some people also throw walnuts which the kids are happy to catch.

“HUALI HUALI WAAGE NIKHAL GHAR MAALIKA KHOLE AAYEE HORINI, HORINI AE GAE”

“Come out of your homes! There’s a deer dancing at your door!”

The Kullu region in Himachal Pradesh comes alive with these words and the beats of drums — dhol and nagada to be precise. Children roam about the mountain villages, loudly singing songs like this to celebrate their favorite event — Haran. A part of the famous week-long Kullu Dussehra that symbolises victory of good over evil, Haran is primarily celebrated by Himachali kids. The pure joy of it, however, manages to draw participation from the elders too.

I was aged 9 when I first attended Haran. My overprotective mother was against the idea of me participating in it and convincing her was tough. She relented only when a few friends from the village decided to join me. I never missed any opportunity to attend the celebration thereafter.