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Jagara,
Jagrata, Jagga
These are rituals common to the entire
state. The Jagara is presented as an
act of thanks giving at the completion of a wish (sukkha). The whole valley
reverberates with the sounds of instruments like Jhanjh ( cymbals), Ghada
(pitches), Thali (platter), Chimta (tongs) and Kansi. This is offered to
the family or local deity. On this day of the Jagara, the host invites all the
followers of the deities in the area and as the Jagara party enters the village
at sunset, they are given a warm welcome by the villagers. At some places a
community feast is also arranged. After the feast some rice, jaggery and money
is placed upon a platter and pooja is offered unto the goddess with lighted
lamps, incense, flowers and prayers. After the deity has been worshipped ballads
depicting incidents from the scriptures and local history are sung. Some of the
devotees at this point become possessed of the spirit of the goddesses. They
begin to shout and sing and dance in a sort of a trance. People ask them various
questions about the future and the whole atmosphere becomes imbued with mystery
and awe. As the night wanes the songs of Tara Rani are sung and sweet Halwa is
distributed at the completion of the entire ritual among all those present. The
Jagarata troupe is fed and given gifts and a warm send off eventually
at the completion of the show.
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