Villages in Kullu to observe 42 days of silence in reverence to Gautam Rishi

Residents of nine villages in the Manali area of Kullu district are set to begin a 42-day period of complete silence starting from Makar Sankranti tomorrow. During this time, villagers would abstain from using televisions, radios and even mobile phones as a mark of reverence for the village deity, Gautam Rishi, who enters a meditative period each year.

The tradition, known as "maun," would continue until February, with villagers adhering strictly to this age-old custom passed down through generations. The nine villages affected by this practice — Goshal, Solang, Shanag, Kothi, Palchan, Ruar, Kulang, Majhach and Burua — are located in the Ujhi valley of Kullu.

According to local belief, Gautam Rishi leaves his abode on Makar Sankranti to join the heavenly council of deities, where he remains in solitude, meditating for 42 days. During this period, the villagers believe noise from the earthly realm could disturb and displease the deity, which is why they observe complete silence to honour his meditative state.

The villagers also refrain from farming activities, including the cultivation of crops and pruning apple trees and the local temple dedicated to Gautam Rishi remains closed throughout the duration. The temple floor is covered in mud and no prayers are performed. After 42 days, when the temple reopens, the villagers interpret signs in the mud to predict the future of the village. A flower indicates happiness, charcoal is a sign of potential fires and grain suggests a bountiful harvest.

Despite the bustling tourism industry and vibrant nightlife associated with Manali and its suburbs, the villagers continue to show deep reverence for this tradition, even in modern times. During the silence period, the villagers avoid all forms of entertainment, turning off their televisions and radios and keeping their mobile phones on silent.

Rakesh Thakur from Kothi village said, “We observe this tradition to prevent the deity's wrath. No one in the affected villages engages in any activity that could disturb the peaceful period of Gautam Rishi’s meditation.”

At the end of the 42 days, the villagers gather at the temple to celebrate the deity’s return. The temple is reopened and a special puja is performed to mark the conclusion of the silence period.

This sacred tradition remains deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of these nine villages, where residents continue to honour the rituals that connect them to their spiritual heritage.