05/11/2025
Igas Bagwal and Bhailo Fire Dance of Uttarakhand
Bisht Practice
Witness the mesmerising Bhailo (or Bhailo Naach), a unique fire-dance ritual from the heart of the Himalayas, celebrated during the vibrant Igas Bagwal festival in Uttarakhand, India.
Bhailo is a spectacular folk tradition in which villagers light bundles of dry, resinous wood (such as pine or bhimal) tied with rope. They then spin these flaming torches overhead in rhythmic movements, creating stunning, fiery circles against the dark mountain sky.
More than just a dance, it is a display of courage, community spirit, and a ritualistic banishment of darkness.
The Bhailo dance is the highlight of Igas Bagwal (also known as Budhi Diwali or Old Diwali), which is celebrated exactly 11 days after the main Diwali festival. There are two main legends for this unique timing:
The Late News of Lord Ram: It is believed that the news of Lord Ram's victorious return to Ayodhya and the original Diwali celebration took 11 days to reach the remote hill communities. They celebrated their own festival of lights upon receiving the news.
The Victory of Veer Madho Singh Bhandari: Another legend attributes the delay to the return of a legendary Garhwali commander, Veer Madho Singh Bhandari, who returned victorious from a campaign 11 days after Diwali. The whole region celebrated his bravery and victory.
Igas is a celebration of unity, the victory of light over darkness, and gratitude to nature and cattle, who are also worshipped on this day.
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