Igas Bagwal Traditions in Uttarakhand

Igas, also called Igas Bagwal or Budhi Diwali, is a traditional festival observed in Uttarakhand, particularly in the Garhwal region. In 2026, it is scheduled for November 20, eleven days after Diwali.

Families light lamps and prepare traditional food. Cows and oxen are bathed and worshipped. A customary activity is Bhailo: dry pine wood and bark are tied with rope, lit and swung while people sing folk songs.

Local beliefs link the festival’s timing either to the late arrival of news about Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya or to the return of Garhwal warrior Madho Singh Bhandari and his soldiers from war.

Notable Points

• Meaning of Igas Bagwal: In the festival’s name, Igas refers to Ekadashi, the eleventh day of the bright fortnight in Kartik or Mangsir. Bagwal is a regional term for a festival of lights similar to Diwali.
• Local origin traditions: One local tradition explains Igas Bagwal as a delayed Diwali because news of Rama’s return to Ayodhya reached remote Garhwal villages late. Another links it to the return of Garhwal military leader Madho Singh Bhandari and his soldiers from a campaign in Tibet. Both are traditional explanations.
• Bhailo and festival music: During Bhailo, villagers light torches made from dried pine wood and grass and swing them in circles in open spaces. Traditional songs and dances accompany the ritual. The dhol and damau are also played during Igas Bagwal festivities.