Why This Village In Himachal Pradesh Has Not Been Celebrating Diwali For Generations

According to legend, many years ago, a woman had left for her parents' home to celebrate Diwali. But she got the news that her husband, a soldier in the king's court, had died.

People buy decorative lamps ahead of the Diwali festival.

Source : PTI

The people of Sammoo village in the Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh will not celebrate Diwali like every year, a custom they have been following for generations.

In Sammoo, the festival of light, passes like any other day with houses remaining dark and devoid of lights and sounds of crackers. 

The people have been following the custom of not celebrating the festival since time immemorial as they fear the curse of a distraught woman who committed Sati on Diwali generations ago. They remain trapped in the muddle of tradition and under lurking fear of something dreadful happening.

According to a report in PTI, the elders have warned the younger generation that any celebration, like lighting diyas or preparing any special dish, would not bode well and invite misfortune, disaster and deaths.

The Story Behind Sammoo Village Not Celebrating Diwali

According to legend, many years ago, a woman had left for her parents' home to celebrate Diwali. But she got the news that her husband, a soldier in the king's court, died.

The woman, who was pregnant, could not bear the shock burnt herself on her husband's pyre and cursed the villagers that they would never be able to celebrate Diwali.

Since then, Diwali has never been celebrated in this village, according to the residents. The village is located about 25 km from Hamirpur district headquarters falls under Bhoranj panchayat.

Bhoranj panchayat pradhan Pooja Devi and several other women said ever since they got married and came to this village, they have never seen Diwali being celebrated.

The residents claimed that even if the villagers settle outside, the curse of the women wouldn't leave them. The villagers further stated that when a family from the village settled in an another town prepared some local dishes for Diwali, their house caught fire. 

The people of the village only worship Sati and light diyas in front of her, Pooja Devi told PTI.

A village elder, who has witnessed over 70 Diwali without any celebrations, said whenever someone tries to observe Diwali, some misfortune or loss happen. The villagers therefore prefer to remain indoors. For hundreds of years, people have refrained from celebrating Diwali. 

Veena, who is also a resident of the village, said that despite several attempts to break the curse by performing havan-yagya, the villagers have failed, deepening their resolve to adhere to their traditions. However, the community remains hopeful that one day, they will be able to celebrate Diwali.