HM Shah, NSA Doval, singer Jubin Nautiyal gather in city to mark Igas, ‘the other Diwali’

Influencers from the world of politics, security, art and religion converged in the national capital this week to mark what is also known as “the other Diwali”.

The occasion was the celebration of Uttarakhand’s great tradition called Igas, a folk festival that mirrors the grandness of rich cultural heritage of the mighty hills.

Folklore has it that the news of Lord Rama’s return from exile reached the hills of Uttarakhand 11 days later. Since then, residents of the hills have been celebrating Diwali on the 11th day after Lord Rama’s actual return from exile.

This festival is called Igas and has become an annual feature on the ruling BJP’s celebration calendar, thanks to its national media chief, chief spokesperson and Garhwal MP Anil Baluni.

The event hosted by Baluni at his Lutyens’ Delhi residence this year saw a high profile attendance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, singer Jubin Nautiyal, spiritual leader Dhirendra Shastri associated with Bageshwar Dham of Madhya Pradesh and former Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and his wife Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, Uttarakhand Assembly Speaker.

Shah, who led the ceremonial rituals, including lighting of the holy fire, had the company of Union Ministers Ashwani Vaishnaw and Arjun Ram Meghwal. Much of the Delhi Government was in attendance, including Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and senior ministers Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Parvesh Verma.

Pauri Garhwal-born Ajit Doval, accompanied by wife Aruni Doval, was seen interacting freely with guests and stayed for long.

As a famous folk band, sourced from Uttarakhand, played mellifluous melodies in the backdrop, Anil Baluni spoke of the importance of Igas, a festival he has been hosting for years to propagate the heritage of Uttarakhand.

“These celebrations are part of the BJP’s campaign to revive folk cultures and traditions. At the start of his term, the Prime Minister had asked all MPs to do the best they can to propagate their heritage.

My effort has received unprecedented affection from the people of Uttarakhand and other regions who come and participate in this festival,” Baluni said.

The Igas celebrations always coincide with the auspicious Ekadashi. Besides the Diwali reference in scriptures, Igas has also been associated with valour.

Anil Baluni explains, “Another folklore states that when Garhwali soldiers returned to their villages 11 days after their victory in the Tibet war under the leadership of the brave warrior Madho Singh Bhandari, lamps were lit to mark the victory celebrations. Since then, the occasion has been celebrated as Igas.”

Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the Igas celebrations at Baluni’s home. This time, Amit Shah did the honours, with the PM away for travels across the country, including to election-bound Bihar.