Nahan, Himachal Pradesh: The much-awaited Boda Tyohar, the largest annual festival of the Hati tribe, commenced on Friday in Sirmour district, Himachal Pradesh, drawing enthusiastic participation from over three lakh community members. Also known locally as Magho ko Tyohar, the month-long festival celebrates the distinct cultural heritage and traditional practices of the Hati tribe.

According to Dr. Ami Chand Kamal, researcher and President of the Kendriya Hati Samiti, the principal organisation representing the tribe in Sirmour, the festival is a key aspect of the tribe’s primitive traits and unique identity. It is celebrated across 154 panchayats of the Trans-Giri area in Sirmour and also holds significance in regions of Jaunsar Babar in Uttarakhand and parts of upper Shimla, Choupal tehsil, and Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh.

Historical Significance and Tribal Status

For more than five decades, the Hati community has campaigned for recognition as a Scheduled Tribe, similar to the Jaunsar Babar tribal belt of Uttarakhand. Their demands were formally accepted by the Government of India, and an amendment to the Constitution on August 4, 2023, granted them Scheduled Tribe status, following detailed surveys and reports from leading social scientists, Dr. Kamal said.

Festival Traditions and Rituals

The Boda Tyohar spans an entire month and is divided into three mini-festivals, beginning on the eve of Posh Dwadashi, which fell on January 9, 2026. On the opening day, community members prepare traditional tribal dishes such as Pude, Bedoli, Patanday, Dhroti, and Gudoli, which are offered to their village deity. Residents of villages flock to their native homes to participate in the festivities, which often take place in the Sanjha Angan, the communal courtyard where the village deity Thari Devi resides.

As per centuries-old tribal traditions, the celebrations often start at the temples of Kul Devtas such as Shirgul Maharaj, Bijat Maharaj, and Mahasu Maharaj, with this initial day of worship called “Bhatioj”.

Music, Dance, and Cultural Significance

Throughout the festival month, villagers engage in singing and dancing to traditional musical instruments, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the Hati tribe. The festival also underscores the importance of women in Hati society. Brothers visit the homes of their married sisters carrying “Saje ka Duna”, while sisters reciprocate by visiting their parental homes, where a portion of meat is reserved for them as part of ritual hospitality.

Key Highlights: Khoda and Boidoot

On the eighth day, the Khoda festival is celebrated with great fanfare. Families host friends and relatives as part of the communal celebration. A traditional ritual involves offering the cooked heart of a male goat to the most respected guest, symbolising honour and respect within the community.

Following Khoda, the tradition of Boidoot begins. During this period, each household invites a member from every family in the village, along with close relatives, to share a dinner at their residence at least once during the month. This practice strengthens social bonds and community cohesion.

Preserving Traditions

According to Kundan Singh Shastri, general secretary of the Hati Samiti, Boda Tyohar encompasses numerous unique customs and rituals. Scholars and researchers continue to study these practices to understand the social, cultural, and historical significance of the festival.

The month-long celebration not only reinforces the tribal identity and cultural pride of the Hati community but also provides a platform for preserving their age-old customs, culinary traditions, and community solidarity. With traditional fervour and collective participation, Boda Tyohar continues to be a vital expression of the Hati tribe’s heritage in Himachal Pradesh.