Watch: Atharoh Festival, a rare celebration of culture and faith in Kinnaur

The remote and serene village of Nichar in Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh, is witnessing the grand celebration of the once-in-20-year Atharoh festival at the revered Usha Mata Temple. This extraordinary event, steeped in centuries of tradition, offers a captivating fusion of faith, culture, and heritage. The festival attracts devotees and culture enthusiasts eager to experience a rare cultural spectacle that unites the divine and the community.

Usha Mata Temple, a sacred monument nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Kinnaur, stands as a beacon of spiritual significance. Situated about 38 kilometres from Sarahan, 68 kilometres from Rampur, and 16 kilometres from Bhabanagar, the temple is a religious site and a stunning example of ancient architecture. It is enclosed by a compound decorated with vibrant murals of painted tigers, and within the compound, four ancient structures stand alongside a modern temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The temple's main deity, Usha Devi, is revered as the goddess of dawn and the consort of Surya Bhagavan, the Sun God in Hindu mythology. Her worship in Kinnaur is an integral part of the local culture. She embodies the life-giving force of the sun and its significance to the agricultural communities of the region.

The Atharoh festival, which is celebrated every two decades, draws a distinctive crowd eager to witness the customs and rituals unique to this occasion. The festival is marked by a mesmerizing display of tradition, with women donning their finest traditional attire and performing age-old dances that have been passed down through generations. These dances imbued with deep spiritual and cultural meanings, offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of the Kinnaur region.