Himachal Pradesh is one of the most picturesque states ofNorth India. The state capital, Shimla is a popular tourist destination. But lying hidden in the hills amidst nature are tiny villages, which have an aura of history and mythology around them. In fact, their lifestyles, festivals and traditions evolve out of these beliefs.
We, The Other Home, present to you a series of unexplored locations in Himachal Pradesh. Our aim is to boost the tourism in these villages, yet maintain the simplicity in their characters.
Saho Village (@Panoramio)
First among the series, we present to you Saho Village, a beautiful settlement located about 18 km fromChamba. This village is locally called Suhal. Right in the centre of the village is a temple of God Chandrashekhar, who is said to be synonymous with Lord Shiva of Hindu mythology.
River Sal, Saho Village
The fable mentions a hermit who used to meditate in the caves in a small town by the name of Kunela, on the banks of River Sal. He would come for a bath early morning every day but would be surprised to find that someone had bathed before him. Confused, he decided to find out who it could be and hid behind the trees along the riverside early next morning.
Kailash Mansarover
It was actually Lord Shiva. When He ascertained what was in the mind of the sage, Lord Shiva created an optical illusion for him that morning. The deities of Shiva, Chandrashekhar and Chandragupta appeared to be bathing in the river. When he had had enough, the sage announced himself out of his hiding. The three gods stepped out of the water. Lord Shiva went to Kailash. Chandrashekhar transformed himself into a stone on the riverside while Chandragupta immersed himself in the water once again.
The sage was worried deeply about this incident. Lord Chandrashekhar appeared in his dreams that night and assured him that all was well. He asked him to carry the stone he had transformed himself into from the riverside to an appropriate place where it would appear to become heavy. The fable says that the stone became heavy at Saho, and hence, the ruling king initiated the construction of the temple for Lord Chandrashekar there. But a very strange incident happened. The stone started growing in size, and the temple construction had to be adjusted every time.
The king dreamt of Lord Chandrashekar one night, where he told him that this phenomenon symbolized the fact that God is limitless and infinite. The king would lose all his wealth in attempting to build a shrine, and he should stop the work immediately. The next morning, the king had the roof of the temple casted and the deity coated with copper. Today, we have a very tastefully designed temple in the heart of the village.
The villagers of Saho are pious and even in the present times, consider the God as one of their family. They seek His blessings through thick and thin. They observe every festival traditionally, especially Maha Shivratri, a day when the villagers offer wool and food grains to Him.
Bhasmasur Dance During Baisakhi
In September, the devotees seek the blessings of God by taking a dip in the water of River Sal in Kunela. During the festival, the deity in Saho is also bathed. In the month of May (Baisakh month in the Hindi calendar), a fair is held every year where all devotees assimilate. The temple is also decorated in a traditional manner. Theatre, dance and music continues throughout the night. The four-hour long dance, known as the “Bhasmasur dance”, is a prime attraction. The speciality of this village is that traditions have continued from times in memorial. The folk music has a character of its own.
We, at The Other Home, invite you to visit this village, which lies unexplored by tourists. Far from the madding crowds and stress of urban life, you would be surprised by the simplicity of the lives of the locals. They would be happy to be your hosts if you wish to stay with them one night (or more, if you please!!!).We have a number of properties in different towns of Himachal Pradesh, and can organize a short trip for you. If you could make your getaway coincide with the festivals of Saho, you would go back with an experience to cherish a lifetime.
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