Boda Tyohar Showcases Hati Tribe’s Rich Cultural Traditions

The month-long tribal festival “Boda Tyohar”, the biggest annual cultural event of the Hati tribe, has commenced with traditional fervour in Nahan and across the Trans-Giri region of Sirmour district in Himachal Pradesh. Celebrated by over three lakh community members, the festival reflects the primitive traits, social values and distinct cultural identity of the Hati people.

Cultural Significance of Boda Tyohar

Also known as “Magho ko Tyohar”, Boda Tyohar is an integral part of the Hati tribe’s socio-religious life, according to Dr Ami Chand Kamal, President of the Kendriya Hati Samiti. The festival is observed by residents of 154 panchayats in the Trans-Giri area and is also celebrated in the Jaunsar Babar tribal belt of Uttarakhand and parts of upper Shimla, Choupal tehsil and Kinnaur district. The celebrations begin on the eve of Posh Dwadashi and are divided into three distinct mini festivals.

Rituals, Deities and Community Gatherings

The festival begins with “Bhatioj”, when families prepare traditional dishes such as Pude, Bedoli, Patanday, Dhroti and Gudoli and offer them to village deities. Festivities often start at temples of local and clan deities such as Shirgul Maharaj, Bijat Maharaj and Mahasu Maharaj. In many villages, celebrations centre around the Sanjha Angan near the shrine of Thari Devi, with community singing and dancing continuing throughout the month.

Women-Centric Traditions and Social Bonds

Boda Tyohar symbolises the importance of women in Hati culture. Brothers visit their married sisters with “Saje ka Duna”, while sisters customarily return to their parental homes during the festival. A portion of meat is preserved in every household until sisters arrive as honoured guests. On the eighth day, the “Khoda” festival is marked by family feasts, during which a cooked heart of a male goat is traditionally served to the most respected guest.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Boda Tyohar is the largest annual festival of the Hati Scheduled Tribe.
• The festival begins on the eve of Posh Dwadashi and lasts for a month.
• Hati community was granted Scheduled Tribe status in August 2023.
• The festival is celebrated in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand’s Jaunsar Babar region.

Recognition of Hati Tribe and Living Traditions

After a 56-year-long movement, the Hati community was declared a Scheduled Tribe following a constitutional amendment on August 4, 2023. Post-Khoda, the tradition of “Boidoot” begins, under which each household hosts villagers and relatives for communal meals. Researchers continue to document the festival’s unique customs, underlining Boda Tyohar’s role in preserving the living heritage of the Hati tribe.