Mahasu (region): Difference between revisions

 

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”’Mahasu”’ also known as ”’Mahasudesh”’ or ”’Mahadesh”’, is a term used to refer to the cultural homeland of the [[Mahasui people]] primarily covering the upper part of the Northen Indian state of [[Himachal Pradesh]] and western parts of the state of [[Uttarakhand]]. It covers [[Shimla district|Shimla]], [[Solan district|Solan]], [[Sirmaur district|Sirmaur]], [[Kullu district|Kullu]], upper [[Mandi district|Mandi]] and lower [[Kinnaur district|Kinnaur]] districts in Himachal Pradesh and [[Jaunsar-Bawar]] region of [[Dehradun district]] and Bangan, Parvat, Ravaii, etc. parts of [[Uttarkashi district]] in Uttarakhand.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Vyas |first=Nitin |last2=Nagal |first2=Priti R. |last3=Dhanda |first3=Aniket |date=2025-07-22 |title=Mahasu Devta, Shamanism, And Cultural Heritage: Assessing The Scope Of Spiritual And Cultural Tourism In Himachal Pradesh |url=https://journal.ontourism.academy/index.php/jots/article/view/172 |journal=Journal On Tourism & Sustainability |language=en |volume=8 |issue=1 |doi=10.5281/zenodo.16320417 |issn=2515-6780}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Hertel |first=Johannes |date=1924-01-01 |title=Grierson George Abraham. Linguistic Survey of India. Calcutta, Superintendent Government Printing, India |url=https://doi.org/10.1515/if-1924-0139 |journal=Indogermanische Forschungen |volume=42 |issue=s1 |pages=363–368 |doi=10.1515/if-1924-0139 |issn=1613-0405}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rampur Bushahar News: अरुण फाल्टा फिर बने महासू जिला अध्यक्ष |url=https://www.amarujala.com/himachal-pradesh/rampur-bushahar/arun-falta-becomes-mahasu-district-president-bjp-theog-shimla-rampur-hp-news-c-178-1-ssml1034-127814-2025-01-06 |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Amar Ujala |language=hi}}</ref>

”’Mahasu”’ also known as ”’Mahasudesh”’ or ”’Mahadesh”’, is a term used to refer to the cultural homeland of the [[Mahasui people]] primarily covering the upper part of the Northen Indian state of [[Himachal Pradesh]] and western parts of the state of [[Uttarakhand]]. It covers [[Shimla district|Shimla]], [[Solan district|Solan]], [[Sirmaur district|Sirmaur]], [[Kullu district|Kullu]], upper [[Mandi district|Mandi]] and lower [[Kinnaur district|Kinnaur]] districts in Himachal Pradesh and [[Jaunsar-Bawar]] region of [[Dehradun district]] and Bangan, Parvat, Ravaii, etc. parts of [[Uttarkashi district]] in Uttarakhand.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Vyas |first=Nitin |last2=Nagal |first2=Priti R. |last3=Dhanda |first3=Aniket |date=22 |title=Mahasu Devta, Shamanism, And Cultural Heritage: Assessing The Scope Of Spiritual And Cultural Tourism In Himachal Pradesh |url=https://journal.ontourism.academy/index.php/jots/article/view/172 |journal=Journal On Tourism & Sustainability |language=en |volume=8 |issue=1 |doi=10.5281/zenodo.16320417 |issn=2515-6780}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Hertel |first=Johannes |date=1924 |title=Grierson George Abraham. Linguistic Survey of India. Calcutta, Superintendent Government Printing, India |url=https://doi.org/10.1515/if-1924-0139 |journal=Indogermanische Forschungen |volume=42 |issue=s1 |pages=363–368 |doi=10.1515/if-1924-0139 |issn=1613-0405}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rampur Bushahar News: अरुण फाल्टा फिर बने महासू जिला अध्यक्ष |url=https://www.amarujala.com/himachal-pradesh/rampur-bushahar/arun-falta-becomes-mahasu-district-president-bjp-theog-shimla-rampur-hp-news-c-178-1-ssml1034-127814-2025-01-06 |access-date=16 |website=Amar Ujala |language=hi}}</ref>

== Etymology ==

== Etymology ==

[[File:Temple at Kufri.jpg|thumb|Mahasu Nag Devta Mandir atop of Mahasu peak, [[Kufri, India|Kufri]], [[Shimla]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=News |first=P. T. I. |title=Press Trust Of India |url=https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/frame-guidelines-to-cap-number-of-tourists-horses-to-kufris-mahasu-peak-ngt-to-hp-govt/3044384 |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=www.ptinews.com |language=en}}</ref>]]

[[File:Temple at Kufri.jpg|thumb|Mahasu Nag Devta Mandir atop of Mahasu peak, [[Kufri, India|Kufri]], [[Shimla]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=News |first=P. T. I. |title=Press Trust Of India |url=https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/frame-guidelines-to-cap-number-of-tourists-horses-to-kufris-mahasu-peak-ngt-to-hp-govt/3044384 |access-date=17 |website=www.ptinews.com |language=en}}</ref>]]

[[File:0052023 Mahasu temple, Pujeli Banal Uttarakhand 049.jpg|thumb|Mahasu Devta Mandir in Pujeli Banal, [[Jaunsar-Bawar|Jaunsar]]]]

[[File:0052023 Mahasu temple, Pujeli Banal Uttarakhand 049.jpg|thumb|Mahasu Devta Mandir in Pujeli Banal, [[Jaunsar-Bawar|Jaunsar]]]]

Mahasu region got its name from [[Mahasu Devta Temple|Mahasu Devta]]. The region is known as the land of Mahasu Maharaj. As many sources said that Mahasu Devta (four brothers) had been born in different places of the region like in Hanol in [[Jaunsar-Bawar|Jaunsar]], another legend says Mahasu Peak in [[Kufri, India|Kufri]] in [[Shimla]], one legend says in [[Sirmaur district]]. As Mahasu Devta and many forms of different other Devis and Devtas auch as Naag Devta and Shirgul Maharaj, etc are worshipped in the region that’s why the region is also known as “”Devbhoomi””.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hindi News, हिंदी न्यूज़, Latest News in Hindi, Aaj ki Taaja Khabar, Breaking Hindi News, Hindi Samachar |url=https://www.jagran.com/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Jagran |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Parashar |first=Saurabh |date=2025-10-29 |title=293 horses & 2,232 tourists can visit Kufri-Mahasu peak trail daily: NGT |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/horses-tourists-can-visit-kufri-mahasu-peak-trail-daily-ngt-10333364/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

Mahasu region got its name from [[Mahasu Devta Temple|Mahasu Devta]]. The region is known as the land of Mahasu Maharaj. As many sources said that Mahasu Devta (four brothers) had been born in different places of the region like in Hanol in [[Jaunsar-Bawar|Jaunsar]], another legend says Mahasu Peak in [[Kufri, India|Kufri]] in [[Shimla]], one legend says in [[Sirmaur district]]. As Mahasu Devta and many forms of different other Devis and Devtas auch as Naag Devta and Shirgul Maharaj, etc are worshipped in the region that’s why the region is also known as “”Devbhoomi””.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hindi News, हिंदी न्यूज़, Latest News in Hindi, Aaj ki Taaja Khabar, Breaking Hindi News, Hindi Samachar |url=https://www.jagran.com/ |access-date=16 |website=Jagran |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Parashar |first=Saurabh |date=29 |title=293 horses & 2,232 tourists can visit Kufri-Mahasu peak trail daily: NGT |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/horses-tourists-can-visit-kufri-mahasu-peak-trail-daily-ngt-10333364/ |access-date=16 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

== History ==

== History ==

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=== Early and ancient period ===

=== Early and ancient period ===

The Mahasu region forms a part of [[Western Himalayas|Western Himalayan]] cultural belt which is inhabited since prehistoric times by agrarian communities which were adapted to cold and mountainous terrain. Archaeological and folkloric evidences tells the continuity of settlements were based on terrace farming, seasonal migration and social organisation. Since early historic times the region laid on the Shaivite traditions, local deities traditions and Hindu belief. The area did not had a single kingdom but consisted of various small hill chiefdoms.<ref>{{Cite news |title=History of Himachal Pradesh – webindia123.com |url=https://www.webindia123.com/himachal/history/history.htm |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250614193109/https://www.webindia123.com/himachal/history/history.htm |archive-date=2025-06-14 |access-date=2025-12-17 |work=Webindia123.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Chhetri |first=Nilamber |date=2023-07-12 |title=Elusive identities, enduring demands: the Haatis’ struggle for recognition in the trans-Giri region, Himachal Pradesh |url=https://journals.openedition.org/ebhr/1305 |journal=European Bulletin of Himalayan Research |language=en |issue=60 |doi=10.4000/ebhr.1305 |issn=0943-8254}}</ref>

The Mahasu region forms a part of [[Western Himalayas|Western Himalayan]] cultural belt which is inhabited since prehistoric times by agrarian communities which were adapted to cold and mountainous terrain. Archaeological and folkloric evidences tells the continuity of settlements were based on terrace farming, seasonal migration and social organisation. Since early historic times the region laid on the Shaivite traditions, local deities traditions and Hindu belief. The area did not had a single kingdom but consisted of various small hill chiefdoms.<ref>{{Cite news |title=History of Himachal Pradesh – webindia123.com |url=https://www.webindia123.com/himachal/history/history.htm |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250614193109/https://www.webindia123.com/himachal/history/history.htm |archive-date=14 |access-date=2025 |work=Webindia123.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Chhetri |first=Nilamber |date=12 |title=Elusive identities, enduring demands: the Haatis’ struggle for recognition in the trans-Giri region, Himachal Pradesh |url=https://journals.openedition.org/ebhr/1305 |journal=European Bulletin of Himalayan Research |language=en |issue=60 |doi=10.4000/ebhr.1305 |issn=0943-8254}}</ref>

=== Early medieval period (7th-13th centuries) ===

=== Early medieval period (7th-13th centuries) ===

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* [[Mangal State|Mangal]]

* [[Mangal State|Mangal]]

* [[Keonthal]]

* [[Keonthal]]

* [[Sirmur State|Sirmaur]] (Jaunsar was part of it)<ref>{{Cite web |title=A tale of status in Sirmaur |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/kaleidoscope/a-tale-of-status-in-sirmaur-341408/ |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref>

* [[Sirmur State|Sirmaur]] (Jaunsar was part of it)<ref>{{Cite web |title=A tale of status in Sirmaur |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/kaleidoscope/a-tale-of-status-in-sirmaur-341408/ |access-date=17 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref>

These states were politically divided and independent but culturally they were interconnected. They shared language, religious practices and Devtas’ authority even above kings and rulers of these states.

These states were politically divided and independent but culturally they were interconnected. They shared language, religious practices and Devtas’ authority even above kings and rulers of these states.

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=== British colonial period ===

=== British colonial period ===

{{See also|History of Punjab}}

{{See also|History of Punjab}}

After the [[Anglo-Nepalese War|Anglo-Gurkha War]] (1814–1816), many parts of the region came under the control of Britishers. They overtook many kingdoms.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Caplan |first=Lionel |date=1991 |title=”Bravest of the Brave”: Representations of ‘The Gurkha’ in British Military Writings |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/312617 |journal=Modern Asian Studies |volume=25 |issue=3 |pages=571–597 |issn=0026-749X}}</ref> They didn’t abolished the hill states but reorganised through indirect rule, they made the [[Punjab Hill States]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Collections Online {{!}} British Museum |url=https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/x115791 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230616114106/https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/x115791 |archive-date=2023-06-16 |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=www.britishmuseum.org |language=en}}</ref> and [[Simla Hill States]] which also included areas of Mahasu region. Britishers gave the idea of Mahasu district at that time which they named after the primary deity and language of the region.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Studies |first=HP General |date=2016-11-06 |title=History of District Shimla |url=https://hpgeneralstudies.com/history-district-shimla/ |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=Himachal Pradesh General Studies |language=en-US}}</ref>

After the [[Anglo-Nepalese War|Anglo-Gurkha War]] (1814–1816), many parts of the region came under the control of Britishers. They overtook many kingdoms.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Caplan |first=Lionel |date=1991 |title=”Bravest of the Brave”: Representations of ‘The Gurkha’ in British Military Writings |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/312617 |journal=Modern Asian Studies |volume=25 |issue=3 |pages=571–597 |issn=0026-749X}}</ref> They didn’t abolished the hill states but reorganised through indirect rule, they made the [[Punjab Hill States]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Collections Online {{!}} British Museum |url=https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/x115791 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230616114106/https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/x115791 |archive-date=16 |access-date=17 |website=www.britishmuseum.org |language=en}}</ref> and [[Simla Hill States]] which also included areas of Mahasu region. Britishers gave the idea of Mahasu district at that time which they named after the primary deity and language of the region.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Studies |first=HP General |date=2016 |title=History of District Shimla |url=https://hpgeneralstudies.com/history-district-shimla/ |access-date=17 |website=Himachal Pradesh General Studies |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Post-independence reorganisation ===

=== Post-independence reorganisation ===

{{See also|History of Shimla}}

{{See also|History of Shimla}}

After Indian independence in 1947, princely states of the region were merged into the Indian Union like other states of India. In 1948 Mahasu district was officially formed (includes today’s [[Shimla district|Shimla]] and [[Solan district|Solan]] districts) after the 1948 integration of various [[Simla Hill States]]. On 1 May 1960, [[Kinnaur district]] was carved out from Mahasu’s Chini tehsil and parts of [[Rampur Bushahr|Rampur]]. On 1 September 1972, Mahasu district was reorganized and dissolved, with its areas forming the new Shimla and Solan districts as today.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shalini |date=2021-04-28 |title=Himachal Pradesh from shadow to light |url=https://himachalwire.in/so-himachal-pradesh-was-born-as-a-chief-commissioner-province-on-april-15th1948-initially-only-four-districts-chamba-sirmour-mandi-and-mahasu-were-formulated-while-chamba-and-sirmour-princely/ |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=Himachal Wire |language=en-US}}</ref>

After Indian independence in 1947, princely states of the region were merged into the Indian Union like other states of India. In 1948 Mahasu district was officially formed (includes today’s [[Shimla district|Shimla]] and [[Solan district|Solan]] districts) after the 1948 integration of various [[Simla Hill States]]. On 1 May 1960, [[Kinnaur district]] was carved out from Mahasu’s Chini tehsil and parts of [[Rampur Bushahr|Rampur]]. On 1 September 1972, Mahasu district was and dissolved, with its areas forming the new Shimla and Solan districts as today.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shalini |date=28 |title=Himachal Pradesh from shadow to light |url=https://himachalwire.in/so-himachal-pradesh-was-born-as-a-chief-commissioner-province-on-april-15th1948-initially-only-four-districts-chamba-sirmour-mandi-and-mahasu-were-formulated-while-chamba-and-sirmour-princely/ |access-date=17 |website=Himachal Wire |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Culture ==

== Culture ==

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[[File:Kullu Dussehra – main procession.jpg|thumb|[[Kullu Dussehra]]]]

[[File:Kullu Dussehra – main procession.jpg|thumb|[[Kullu Dussehra]]]]

[[File:A place of devotion.jpg|thumb|Dakhrain festival being celebrated in [[Kinnaur district|Kinnaur]]]]

[[File:A place of devotion.jpg|thumb|Dakhrain festival being celebrated in [[Kinnaur district|Kinnaur]]]]

The culture of Mahasu region is deeply rooted in the folk [[Hindus|Hindu]] traditions. The Mahasu region culturally and linguistically distincts from it’s neighbours that of [[Garhwal region]] and Lower Himachal region ([[Kangra region]]). Mahasu region primarily follows ”[[Devata|Dev Parampara]].” The region has many temples dedicated to particular [[Devata|Devta]] or [[Devi]]. People of the region has their own ”Kuldevta” and ”Kuldevi” (also known as ”Kulja” in ”[[Mahasui]]”). [[Mahasu Devta Temple|Mahasu Devta]] is the primary deity of the region represented by ”four brothers” and known as ”Mahasu Devta” collectively. The people of the region mainly believes in the authority of Devtas of the region or their ”Kul Devta” and ”Kul Devi” (family deity) or ”Gram Devta” (village deity).<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Milanpreet |date=2025-12-12 |title=Preserving the Sacred: A study of ‘Dev Parampara’ and its Role in Protecting Ancient Traditions in Himachal Pradesh |url=https://www.ijfmr.com/research-paper.php?id=63261 |journal=IJFMR – International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research |volume=7 |issue=6 |issn=2582-2160}}</ref>

The culture of Mahasu region is deeply rooted in the folk [[Hindus|Hindu]] traditions. The Mahasu region culturally and linguistically distincts from it’s neighbours that of [[Garhwal region]] and Lower Himachal region ([[Kangra region]]). Mahasu region primarily follows ”[[Devata|Dev Parampara]].” The region has many temples dedicated to particular [[Devata|Devta]] or [[Devi]]. People of the region has their own ”Kuldevta” and ”Kuldevi” (also known as ”Kulja” in ”[[Mahasui]]”). [[Mahasu Devta Temple|Mahasu Devta]] is the primary deity of the region represented by ”four brothers” and known as ”Mahasu Devta” collectively. The people of the region mainly believes in the authority of Devtas of the region or their ”Kul Devta” and ”Kul Devi” (family deity) or ”Gram Devta” (village deity).<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Milanpreet |date=2025 |title=Preserving the Sacred: A study of ‘Dev Parampara’ and its Role in Protecting Ancient Traditions in Himachal Pradesh |url=https://www.ijfmr.com/research-paper.php?id=63261 |journal=IJFMR – International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research |volume=7 |issue=6 |issn=2582-2160}}</ref>

=== Temples ===

=== Temples ===

[[File:Kath Kuni house section.jpg|thumb|Kath Kuni architecture design]]

[[File:Kath Kuni house section.jpg|thumb|Kath Kuni architecture design]]

The temples of the region mainly follows ”[[Kath kuni architecture|Kath Kuni]]” and ”[[Nagara Style|Nagara]]” architectural styles in which the temples are made up with woods and stone materials, which is beneficial in winters as in snowfall and in heavy monsoons which is required in such mountainous terrain. Temples in the region are usually located on the hilltop.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Himalayan Vernacular: Kath-Khuni Architecture |url=http://www.sahapedia.org/the-himalayan-vernacular-kath-khuni-architecture |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Sahapedia |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Shimla’s 250-year-old hilltop temple regains its past glory |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/outside-kerala/2018/07/26/shimla-tara-devi-temple-regains-past-glory.html |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=www.onmanorama.com}}</ref>

The temples of the region mainly follows ”[[Kath kuni architecture|Kath Kuni]]” and ”[[Nagara Style|Nagara]]” architectural styles in which the temples are made up with woods and stone materials, which is beneficial in winters as in snowfall and in heavy monsoons which is required in such mountainous terrain. Temples in the region are usually located on the hilltop.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Himalayan Vernacular: Kath-Khuni Architecture |url=http://www.sahapedia.org/the-himalayan-vernacular-kath-khuni-architecture |access-date=16 |website=Sahapedia |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Shimla’s 250-year-old hilltop temple regains its past glory |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/outside-kerala/2018/07/26/shimla-tara-devi-temple-regains-past-glory.html |access-date=16 |website=www.onmanorama.com}}</ref>

==== [[Mahasu Devta Temple]] ====

==== [[Mahasu Devta Temple]] ====

[[File:0051923 Mahasu Devta temple, Hanol Uttarakhand 003.jpg|thumb|Mahasu Devta Mandir at Hanol, [[Jaunsar-Bawar|Jaunsar]]]]

[[File:0051923 Mahasu Devta temple, Hanol Uttarakhand 003.jpg|thumb|Mahasu Devta Mandir at Hanol, [[Jaunsar-Bawar|Jaunsar]]]]

The primary temple of the region is Mahasu Devta Temple located in Hanol, [[Jaunsar-Bawar|Jaunsar]]. The temple is dedicated to the primary Devta of the region, Mahasu Devta.<ref>{{Cite web |last=HMNS |date=2025-10-17 |title=High Court Allows Dhar Chandna and Bawat Villagers to Celebrate Diwali in Mahasu Devta Premises with Restrictions – HimbuMail |url=https://himbumail.com//bar-and-benches/high-court-allows-dhar-chandna-and-bawat |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=himbumail.com |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dehradun: चालदा महासू महाराज की प्रवास यात्रा शुरू, दसऊ से विदा होकर हिमाचल प्रदेश के पश्मी गांव को चले देवता – chalda mahasu maharaj begins journey to himachal |url=https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/dehradun-city-chalda-mahasu-maharaj-begins-journey-to-himachal-40065859.html |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Jagran |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mahasu Maharaj to embark on rare journey to Shillai |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/mahasu-maharaj-to-embark-on-rare-journey-to-shillai/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref>

The primary temple of the region is Mahasu Devta Temple located in Hanol, [[Jaunsar-Bawar|Jaunsar]]. The temple is dedicated to the primary Devta of the region, Mahasu Devta.<ref>{{Cite web |last=HMNS |date=17 |title=High Court Allows Dhar Chandna and Bawat Villagers to Celebrate Diwali in Mahasu Devta Premises with Restrictions – HimbuMail |url=https://himbumail.com//bar-and-benches/high-court-allows-dhar-chandna-and-bawat |access-date=16 |website=himbumail.com |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dehradun: चालदा महासू महाराज की प्रवास यात्रा शुरू, दसऊ से विदा होकर हिमाचल प्रदेश के पश्मी गांव को चले देवता – chalda mahasu maharaj begins journey to himachal |url=https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/dehradun-city-chalda-mahasu-maharaj-begins-journey-to-himachal-40065859.html |access-date=16 |website=Jagran |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mahasu Maharaj to embark on rare journey to Shillai |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/mahasu-maharaj-to-embark-on-rare-journey-to-shillai/ |access-date=16 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref>

==== [[Shirgul Maharaj Temple]] ====

==== [[Shirgul Maharaj Temple]] ====

[[File:Bijat Mahraj Temple, Sarain, Chopal, Himachal Pradesh 01.jpg|thumb|Shirgul Maharaj Mandir in [[Chaupal, Himachal Pradesh|Chaupal]], [[Shimla district|Shimla]]]]

[[File:Bijat Mahraj Temple, Sarain, Chopal, Himachal Pradesh 01.jpg|thumb|Shirgul Maharaj Mandir in [[Chaupal, Himachal Pradesh|Chaupal]], [[Shimla district|Shimla]]]]

Shirgul Maharaj Devta is also one of the primary deities of the region. His main temple is located on Churdhar peak Sirmaur district.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sirmour News: भव्य शोभायात्रा के साथ शिरगुल देवता बैसाखी मेला शुरू |url=https://www.amarujala.com/himachal-pradesh/sirmour/shirgul-devta-basakhi-mela-begin-nahan-news-c-177-1-nhn1002-148044-2025-04-13 |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Amar Ujala |language=hi}}</ref> There are various temples dedicated to Shirgul Maharaj in wjole of the Mahasu region as in [[Chaupal, Himachal Pradesh|Chaupal]] in [[Shimla district]] and in many other places of the region.

Shirgul Maharaj Devta is also one of the primary deities of the region. His main temple is located on Churdhar peak Sirmaur district.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sirmour News: भव्य शोभायात्रा के साथ शिरगुल देवता बैसाखी मेला शुरू |url=https://www.amarujala.com/himachal-pradesh/sirmour/shirgul-devta-basakhi-mela-begin-nahan-news-c-177-1-nhn1002-148044-2025-04-13 |access-date=16 |website=Amar Ujala |language=hi}}</ref> There are various temples dedicated to Shirgul Maharaj in wjole of the Mahasu region as in [[Chaupal, Himachal Pradesh|Chaupal]] in [[Shimla district]] and in many other places of the region.

==== Naag Devta Temples ====

==== Naag Devta Temples ====

[[File:Nag Temple, Solang Village.jpg|thumb|Nag Mandir in [[Solang Valley|Solang]], [[Kullu district|Kullu]]]]

[[File:Nag Temple, Solang Village.jpg|thumb|Nag Mandir in [[Solang Valley|Solang]], [[Kullu district|Kullu]]]]

The region has many temples dedicated to Naag Devta. ”Naag Devta” (Serpeant God) is also one the primary Devtas of the region. People believe that he saves them from all evils and problems. In maximum villages of the region there is at least one temple dedicated to ”Naag Devta”.<ref>{{Cite web |title=रोहड़ू में देवता बेरिंग नाग और भरेटू नाग का मेला संपन्‍न, 300 देवलुओं के साथ पहुंचे देवता गुरु गंधर्व महाराज – Himachal Pradesh Shimla Rohru News Devta Bhering and Bharetu Nag Mela |url=https://www.jagran.com/himachal-pradesh/kangra-himachal-pradesh-shimla-rohru-news-devta-bhering-and-bharetu-nag-mela-22980047.html |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Jagran |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-08 |title=पांवटा में नाग देवता मेला शुरू, सदियों से चली आ रही यह परंपरा निभा रहे लोग (Video) |url=https://himachal.punjabkesari.in/himachal-pradesh/news/nag-devta-fair-1065790 |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=punjabkesari}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=भारत के इस जनजातिय गांव को मिला है नाग देवता का आशीर्वाद, होता है चमत्कार |url=https://www.amarujala.com/photo-gallery/dehradun/naag-devta-ashirwad-in-this-village |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Amar Ujala |language=hi}}</ref> Major ”Naag Devta” temples in the region are [[Mul Mahunag|”Mul Mahunag”]] in [[Karsog]] in [[Mandi district]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-28 |title=Himachal : महाभारत के दानवीर कर्ण कैसे बने माहूंनाग देवता, मंडी के गांव शैब्दल में बने कर्ण मन्दिर पर है लाखों लोगों की आस्था |url=https://www.ptcnews.tv/hindi-news/himachal-mandi-news-how-did-mahabharata-danveer-karna-become-the-god-of-snakes-730189 |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=PTC News |language=hi}}</ref>, [[Mahunag Mandir|”Mahunag Mandir Shagin”]] in [[Shoghi, Shimla|Shoghi]], [[Shimla]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=VIDEO : माहूनाग मंदिर शगीन शिमला में की गई विशेष पूजा अर्चना |url=https://www.amarujala.com/video/shimla/video-special-prayers-were-offered-at-mahunag-temple-shagin-shimla |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=Amar Ujala |language=hi}}</ref>, [[Kamrunag Lake|”Kamrunag”]] in [[Mandi district]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mandi’s Kamrunag deity pays maiden visit to Kullu |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/mandis-kamrunag-deity-pays-maiden-visit-to-kullu-2/ |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref>, etc.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VIDEO : माहूनाग मंदिर शगीन शिमला में की गई विशेष पूजा अर्चना |url=https://www.amarujala.com/video/shimla/video-special-prayers-were-offered-at-mahunag-temple-shagin-shimla |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=Amar Ujala |language=hi}}</ref>

The region has many temples dedicated to Naag Devta. ”Naag Devta” (Serpeant God) is also one the primary Devtas of the region. People believe that he saves them from all evils and problems. In maximum villages of the region there is at least one temple dedicated to ”Naag Devta”.<ref>{{Cite web |title=रोहड़ू में देवता बेरिंग नाग और भरेटू नाग का मेला संपन्‍न, 300 देवलुओं के साथ पहुंचे देवता गुरु गंधर्व महाराज – Himachal Pradesh Shimla Rohru News Devta Bhering and Bharetu Nag Mela |url=https://www.jagran.com/himachal-pradesh/kangra-himachal-pradesh-shimla-rohru-news-devta-bhering-and-bharetu-nag-mela-22980047.html |access-date=16 |website=Jagran |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019 |title=पांवटा में नाग देवता मेला शुरू, सदियों से चली आ रही यह परंपरा निभा रहे लोग (Video) |url=https://himachal.punjabkesari.in/himachal-pradesh/news/nag-devta-fair-1065790 |access-date=16 |website=punjabkesari}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=भारत के इस जनजातिय गांव को मिला है नाग देवता का आशीर्वाद, होता है चमत्कार |url=https://www.amarujala.com/photo-gallery/dehradun/naag-devta-ashirwad-in-this-village |access-date=16 |website=Amar Ujala |language=hi}}</ref> Major ”Naag Devta” temples in the region are [[Mul Mahunag|”Mul Mahunag”]] in [[Karsog]] in [[Mandi district]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 |title=Himachal : महाभारत के दानवीर कर्ण कैसे बने माहूंनाग देवता, मंडी के गांव शैब्दल में बने कर्ण मन्दिर पर है लाखों लोगों की आस्था |url=https://www.ptcnews.tv/hindi-news/himachal-mandi-news-how-did-mahabharata-danveer-karna-become-the-god-of-snakes-730189 |access-date=17 |website=PTC News |language=hi}}</ref>, [[Mahunag Mandir|”Mahunag Mandir Shagin”]] in [[Shoghi, Shimla|Shoghi]], [[Shimla]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=VIDEO : माहूनाग मंदिर शगीन शिमला में की गई विशेष पूजा अर्चना |url=https://www.amarujala.com/video/shimla/video-special-prayers-were-offered-at-mahunag-temple-shagin-shimla |access-date=17 |website=Amar Ujala |language=hi}}</ref>, [[Kamrunag Lake|”Kamrunag”]] in [[Mandi district]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mandi’s Kamrunag deity pays maiden visit to Kullu |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/mandis-kamrunag-deity-pays-maiden-visit-to-kullu-2/ |access-date=17 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref>, etc.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VIDEO : माहूनाग मंदिर शगीन शिमला में की गई विशेष पूजा अर्चना |url=https://www.amarujala.com/video/shimla/video-special-prayers-were-offered-at-mahunag-temple-shagin-shimla |access-date=17 |website=Amar Ujala |language=hi}}</ref>

==== Ancestoral spirits ====

==== Ancestoral spirits ====

[[File:Congregation of Gur in Jagati.jpg|thumb|Gurs (Shamans) of Devta are sitting in opened long hair in the temple to perform the rituals]]

[[File:Congregation of Gur in Jagati.jpg|thumb|Gurs (Shamans) of Devta are sitting in opened long hair in the temple to perform the rituals]]

The people of the region also worship their spirits of their ancestors in the form of ”Devta” or ”Kuldevta”. There are temples dedicated to them and these ”Devtas” connect and communicate to the people in the form of ”Gur ([[Shamanism|Shaman]])” also known as ”Deenva”, ”Maali”, etc. in various dialects of ”Mahasui”.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Tradition and Culture of Devi-Devta Worship in Himachal Pradesh |url=http://www.sahapedia.org/the-tradition-and-culture-of-devi-devta-worship-himachal-pradesh |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Sahapedia |language=en}}</ref>

The people of the region also worship their spirits of their ancestors in the form of ”Devta” or ”Kuldevta”. There are temples dedicated to them and these ”Devtas” connect and communicate to the people in the form of ”Gur ([[Shamanism|Shaman]])” also known as ”Deenva”, ”Maali”, etc. in various dialects of ”Mahasui”.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Tradition and Culture of Devi-Devta Worship in Himachal Pradesh |url=http://www.sahapedia.org/the-tradition-and-culture-of-devi-devta-worship-himachal-pradesh |access-date=16 |website=Sahapedia |language=en}}</ref>

=== Clothing and attire ===

=== Clothing and attire ===

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[[File:Himachali Caps (87069779).jpeg|thumb|Himachali caps kept in a shop]]

[[File:Himachali Caps (87069779).jpeg|thumb|Himachali caps kept in a shop]]

The region’s traditional attire reflects the cold mountainous environment. People wear ”[[Himachali cap]]” as the main headwear worn by both men and women, ”Dhatu” is also a headwear worn by wone of the region. ”Pattu” mainly worn by men and ”[[Shawl]]s” and ”Chola” by women.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lavi Mela 2024: लवी मेला में आकर्षण का केंद्र बने ऊनी वस्त्र, शाल पट्टू, दौडु, मफलर {{!}} News in Hindi |url=https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeephh/himachal-pradesh/lavi-mela-2024-woolen-clothes-shawls-mufflers-are-available-in-lavi-fair/2530672 |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=Zee PHH |language=en}}</ref> ”Rejta” is also a long frock styled attire worn by women of the region.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-18 |title=The Timeless Transformation of Himachali Dresses |url=https://himalayanvibe.com/blogs/cultural-history-of-products/the-timeless-transformation-of-himachali-dresses |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=Himalayan Vibes™ |language=en}}</ref> People also wear many handcrafted ornaments and handwoven attires.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hatti Tribe, State, Population, Economy, Latest News |url=https://vajiramandravi.com/current-affairs/hatti/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=PM Modi showcases Himachal Pradesh’s Kulluvi cap on international stage in France |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/fashion/buzz/pm-modi-showcases-himachal-pradeshs-kulluvi-cap-on-international-stage-in-france/amp_articleshow/118230864.cms |access-date=2025-12-16 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bharat |first=E. T. V. |date=2025-08-07 |title=National Handloom Day 2025: How Himachal’s Sharan Village Weaves, Upholds Legacy And Ensures Livelihood |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!bharat/national-handloom-day-2025-how-himachal-sharan-village-weaves-and-ensures-livelihood-enn25080702286 |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=ETV Bharat News |language=en}}</ref>

The region’s traditional attire reflects the cold mountainous environment. People wear ”[[Himachali cap]]” as the main headwear worn by both men and women, ”Dhatu” is also a headwear worn by wone of the region. ”Pattu” mainly worn by men and ”[[Shawl]]s” and ”Chola” by women.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lavi Mela 2024: लवी मेला में आकर्षण का केंद्र बने ऊनी वस्त्र, शाल पट्टू, दौडु, मफलर {{!}} News in Hindi |url=https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeephh/himachal-pradesh/lavi-mela-2024-woolen-clothes-shawls-mufflers-are-available-in-lavi-fair/2530672 |access-date=17 |website=Zee PHH |language=en}}</ref> ”Rejta” is also a long frock styled attire worn by women of the region.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 |title=The Timeless Transformation of Himachali Dresses |url=https://himalayanvibe.com/blogs/cultural-history-of-products/the-timeless-transformation-of-himachali-dresses |access-date=17 |website=Himalayan Vibes™ |language=en}}</ref> People also wear many handcrafted ornaments and handwoven attires.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hatti Tribe, State, Population, Economy, Latest News |url=https://vajiramandravi.com/current-affairs/hatti/ |access-date=16 |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=PM Modi showcases Himachal Pradesh’s Kulluvi cap on international stage in France |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/fashion/buzz/pm-modi-showcases-himachal-pradeshs-kulluvi-cap-on-international-stage-in-france/amp_articleshow/118230864.cms |access-date=16 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bharat |first=E. T. V. |date=2025 |title=National Handloom Day 2025: How Himachal’s Sharan Village Weaves, Upholds Legacy And Ensures Livelihood |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!bharat/national-handloom-day-2025-how-himachal-sharan-village-weaves-and-ensures-livelihood-enn25080702286 |access-date=16 |website=ETV Bharat News |language=en}}</ref>

=== Music and dance ===

=== Music and dance ===

{{See also|Music of Himachal Pradesh}}{{See also|Traditional dances of Himachal Pradesh}}[[File:Sirmauri Nati Himachal.jpg|thumb|[[Nati (dance)|Nati]], a dance form of the region]]

{{See also|Music of Himachal Pradesh}}{{See also|Traditional dances of Himachal Pradesh}}[[File:Sirmauri Nati Himachal.jpg|thumb|[[Nati (dance)|Nati]], a dance form of the region]]

The people of the Mahasu region has their traditional dance amd music form [[Nati (dance)|”Nati”]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Himachal Pradesh: Traditional folk dance celebrates women empowerment and culture at Shimla Summer festival |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/himachal-pradesh-traditional-folk-dance-celebrates-women-empowerment-and-culture-at-shimla-summer-festival20250603210446 |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=www.aninews.in |language=en}}</ref> Many other dance forms are also followed by people such as in [[Sirmaur district|Sirmaur]] and [[Jaunsar-Bawar|Jaunsar]] apart from ”Nati”, ”Hathi, [[Harul]] and Thandi” dance forms are performed by people on festivand celebratory occasions.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Uttarakhand’s Jaunsar-Bawar community holds cultural meet |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/uttarakhands-jaunsar-bawar-community-holds-cultural-meet/amp_articleshow/116609350.cms |access-date=2025-12-16 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Post |first=Garhwal |date=2019-01-14 |title=Maroj Festival celebrated in Mussoorie, nearby areas {{!}} Garhwal Post |url=https://garhwalpost.in/maroj-festival-celebrated-in-mussoorie-nearby-areas/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |language=en-US}}</ref> In [[Keonthal]] area of [[Shimla district|Shimla]] and in [[Solan district|Solan]] ”Pahari [[Giddha]]” is also performed in marriages and festivities, as well as ”Gangi” (Pahari form of ”[[Tappa]]”) are also performed by ladies of the families.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Information About Solan, History of Solan, Geography of Solan |url=https://www.solanonline.in/guide/about-solan |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240621165920/https://www.solanonline.in/guide/about-solan |archive-date=2024-06-21 |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=SolanOnline.in |language=en}}</ref>

The people of the Mahasu region has their traditional dance amd music form [[Nati (dance)|”Nati”]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Himachal Pradesh: Traditional folk dance celebrates women empowerment and culture at Shimla Summer festival |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/himachal-pradesh-traditional-folk-dance-celebrates-women-empowerment-and-culture-at-shimla-summer-festival20250603210446 |access-date=16 |website=www.aninews.in |language=en}}</ref> Many other dance forms are also followed by people such as in [[Sirmaur district|Sirmaur]] and [[Jaunsar-Bawar|Jaunsar]] apart from ”Nati”, ”Hathi, [[Harul]] and Thandi” dance forms are performed by people on festivand celebratory occasions.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Uttarakhand’s Jaunsar-Bawar community holds cultural meet |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/uttarakhands-jaunsar-bawar-community-holds-cultural-meet/amp_articleshow/116609350.cms |access-date=16 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Post |first=Garhwal |date=14 |title=Maroj Festival celebrated in Mussoorie, nearby areas {{!}} Garhwal Post |url=https://garhwalpost.in/maroj-festival-celebrated-in-mussoorie-nearby-areas/ |access-date=16 |language=en-US}}</ref> In [[Keonthal]] area of [[Shimla district|Shimla]] and in [[Solan district|Solan]] ”Pahari [[Giddha]]” is also performed in marriages and festivities, as well as ”Gangi” (Pahari form of ”[[Tappa]]”) are also performed by ladies of the families.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Information About Solan, History of Solan, Geography of Solan |url=https://www.solanonline.in/guide/about-solan |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240621165920/https://www.solanonline.in/guide/about-solan |archive-date=21 |access-date=16 |website=SolanOnline.in |language=en}}</ref>

”Jhoori” is another type of music form which celebrates romance, the word ”Jhoori” means lover and is accompanied by female dance called ”Jhoomar”.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shalini |date=2025-09-21 |title=Traditional songs of Himachal-Naati to Jhuri: Age-Old Himachali Songs Revived |url=https://himachalwire.in/traditional-songs-of-himachal-naati-to-jhuri-age-old-himachali-songs-revived/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Himachal Wire |language=en-US}}</ref> ”Laman” form of music is from [[Kullu district|Kullu]] are another type music form that celebrates romance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Folk Songs Of Himachal Pradesh – Jokta Academy |url=https://joktacademy.com/folk-songs-of-himachal-pradesh-2/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |language=en-US}}</ref>

”Jhoori” is another type of music form which celebrates romance, the word ”Jhoori” means lover and is accompanied by female dance called ”Jhoomar”.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shalini |date=21 |title=Traditional songs of Himachal-Naati to Jhuri: Age-Old Himachali Songs Revived |url=https://himachalwire.in/traditional-songs-of-himachal-naati-to-jhuri-age-old-himachali-songs-revived/ |access-date=16 |website=Himachal Wire |language=en-US}}</ref> ”Laman” form of music is from [[Kullu district|Kullu]] are another type music form that celebrates romance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Folk Songs Of Himachal Pradesh – Jokta Academy |url=https://joktacademy.com/folk-songs-of-himachal-pradesh-2/ |access-date=16 |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Fairs, festivals and ritual calendars ===

=== Fairs, festivals and ritual calendars ===

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[[File:Bakralu Devta.jpg|thumb|Procession of Bakralu Devta]]

[[File:Bakralu Devta.jpg|thumb|Procession of Bakralu Devta]]

[[File:PXL 20230311 072326415.jpg|thumb|A local festival in [[Rampur Bushahr]] where Devta palanquin (Ratha) can be seen]]

[[File:PXL 20230311 072326415.jpg|thumb|A local festival in [[Rampur Bushahr]] where Devta palanquin (Ratha) can be seen]]

As per the people of the region mainly follows ”Hinduism”, all the festivals relation to the region are celebrated woth pure joy and enthusiasm like any other region of the country but the different forms of festivals which the people of the region celebrate are as the society of the region mainly involves agrarian community, they have their own ritual calendar of the festivals, such major festivals include ”Bishu” which is spring harvest celebration,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-12 |title=In the Keonthal area, Bishu’s festival is celebrated by making sweet goats made of flour – HIMACHAL HEADLINES |url=https://himachalheadlines.com/lifestyle/in-the-keonthal-area-bishus-festival-is-celebrated-by-making-sweet-goats-made-of-flour/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |language=en}}</ref> ”Fagli” which is winter festival involving masked performances.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Three-day Fagli festival concludes at Manikaran |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/three-day-fagli-festival-concludes-at-manikaran-485315/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Local deities fairs where the village deities are ceremonially in ”palanquins (rathas)” like ”Bakralu Devta” ”Bhunda festival”<ref>{{Cite web |last=HMNS |date=2025-01-01 |title=All Roads Lead to Dalgaon-Kutara for Bhunda Mahayagya After 40 Years on Day 2 of New Year – HimbuMail |url=https://himbumail.com//latest/all-roads-lead-to-dalgaon-kutara-for-bhunda-mahayagya |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=himbumail.com |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Yash Raj |date=2007-03-12 |title=Himachal’s Bhunda narmedh mahayajna |url=https://hillpost.in/2007/03/himachals-bhunda-narmedh-mahayajna/1579/ |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=Hill Post |language=en-US}}</ref>, ”Shaant Mahayagya Gwas”<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shimla: गवास गांव में 38 साल बाद शांत महायज्ञ, देवताओं और खूंदों की मौजूदगी में निभाई फेरी-शिखा पूजन की रस्म |url=https://www.amarujala.com/shimla/after-38-years-a-shant-mahayagya-performed-in-gavas-village-rohru-in-the-presence-of-gods-goddesses-and-thous-2024-01-08 |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=Amar Ujala |language=hi}}</ref> in Rohru and adjoining areas and alike other such feastivals and fairs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Today |first=Hinduism |date=2024-10-01 |title=200 Deities Pilgrimage to Mandi for Mahasivaratri |url=https://www.hinduismtoday.com/magazine/october-november-december-2024/200-deities-pilgrimage-to-mandi-for-mahasivaratri/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Hinduism Today |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Lavi Fair|”Lavi fair”]] is the largest celebrated fair of the region which happens in [[Rampur Bushahr]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Lavi Fair shines a light on heritage |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/lavi-fair-shines-a-light-on-heritage/amp_articleshow/125257035.cms |access-date=2025-12-16 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> ”[[Budhi Diwali]]” is also one of the prominent region celebrated in whole of the region like Shimla, Kullu<ref>{{Cite web |last=nirmand |date=2011-11-15 |title=Nirmand (chhoti Kashi) – Land of God and Goddess |url=https://nirmand.wordpress.com/2011/11/15/nirmand-chhoti-kashi-land-of-god-and-goddess/ |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=Hemant Thakur |language=en}}</ref> but especially celebrated by the ”[[Hatee community|Hatee]]” sub-community in the region, in [[Sirmaur district|Sirmaur]] and [[Jaunsar-Bawar|Jaunsar]], after the actual ”[[Diwali]]” for a month.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Post |first=Garhwal |title=Budhi Diwali is long-lasting tradition of Jaunsar Bawar {{!}} Garhwal Post |url=https://garhwalpost.in/budhi-diwali-is-long-lasting-tradition-of-jaunsar-bawar/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240916060437/https://garhwalpost.in/budhi-diwali-is-long-lasting-tradition-of-jaunsar-bawar/ |archive-date=2024-09-16 |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=garhwalpost.in |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Week long Hatti tribal festival ‘Budhi Diwali’ commences with traditional fervour- The Week |url=https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2025/11/19/des89-hp-tribal-festival-celebration.amp.html |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=www.theweek.in}}</ref>

As per the people of the region mainly follows ”Hinduism”, all the festivals relation to the region are celebrated woth pure joy and enthusiasm like any other region of the country but the different forms of festivals which the people of the region celebrate are as the society of the region mainly involves agrarian community, they have their own ritual calendar of the festivals, such major festivals include ”Bishu” which is spring harvest celebration,<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 |title=In the Keonthal area, Bishu’s festival is celebrated by making sweet goats made of flour – HIMACHAL HEADLINES |url=https://himachalheadlines.com/lifestyle/in-the-keonthal-area-bishus-festival-is-celebrated-by-making-sweet-goats-made-of-flour/ |access-date=2025 |language=en}}</ref> ”Fagli” which is winter festival involving masked performances.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Three-day Fagli festival concludes at Manikaran |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/three-day-fagli-festival-concludes-at-manikaran-485315/ |access-date=2025 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Local deities fairs where the village deities are ceremonially in ”palanquins (rathas)” like ”Bakralu Devta” ”Bhunda festival”<ref>{{Cite web |last=HMNS |date=2025 |title=All Roads Lead to Dalgaon-Kutara for Bhunda Mahayagya After 40 Years on Day 2 of New Year – HimbuMail |url=https://himbumail.com//latest/all-roads-lead-to-dalgaon-kutara-for-bhunda-mahayagya |access-date=2025 |website=himbumail.com |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Yash Raj |date=12 |title=Himachal’s Bhunda narmedh mahayajna |url=https://hillpost.in/2007/03/himachals-bhunda-narmedh-mahayajna/1579/ |access-date=2025 |website=Hill Post |language=en-US}}</ref>, ”Shaant Mahayagya Gwas”<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shimla: गवास गांव में 38 साल बाद शांत महायज्ञ, देवताओं और खूंदों की मौजूदगी में निभाई फेरी-शिखा पूजन की रस्म |url=https://www.amarujala.com/shimla/after-38-years-a-shant-mahayagya-performed-in-gavas-village-rohru-in-the-presence-of-gods-goddesses-and-thous-2024-01-08 |access-date=2025 |website=Amar Ujala |language=hi}}</ref> in Rohru and adjoining areas and alike other such feastivals and fairs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Today |first=Hinduism |date=2024 |title=200 Deities Pilgrimage to Mandi for Mahasivaratri |url=https://www.hinduismtoday.com/magazine/october-november-december-2024/200-deities-pilgrimage-to-mandi-for-mahasivaratri/ |access-date=2025 |website=Hinduism Today |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Lavi Fair|”Lavi fair”]] is the largest celebrated fair of the region which happens in [[Rampur Bushahr]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Lavi Fair shines a light on heritage |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/lavi-fair-shines-a-light-on-heritage/amp_articleshow/125257035.cms |access-date=2025 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> ”[[Budhi Diwali]]” is also one of the prominent region celebrated in whole of the region like Shimla, Kullu<ref>{{Cite web |last=nirmand |date=2011 |title=Nirmand (chhoti Kashi) – Land of God and Goddess |url=https://nirmand.wordpress.com/2011/11/15/nirmand-chhoti-kashi-land-of-god-and-goddess/ |access-date=2025 |website=Hemant Thakur |language=en}}</ref> but especially celebrated by the ”[[Hatee community|Hatee]]” sub-community in the region, in [[Sirmaur district|Sirmaur]] and [[Jaunsar-Bawar|Jaunsar]], after the actual ”[[Diwali]]” for a month.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Post |first=Garhwal |title=Budhi Diwali is long-lasting tradition of Jaunsar Bawar {{!}} Garhwal Post |url=https://garhwalpost.in/budhi-diwali-is-long-lasting-tradition-of-jaunsar-bawar/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240916060437/https://garhwalpost.in/budhi-diwali-is-long-lasting-tradition-of-jaunsar-bawar/ |archive-date=16 |access-date=2025 |website=garhwalpost.in |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Week long Hatti tribal festival ‘Budhi Diwali’ commences with traditional fervour- The Week |url=https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2025/11/19/des89-hp-tribal-festival-celebration.amp.html |access-date=2025 |website=www.theweek.in}}</ref>

== Languages ==

== Languages ==

[[File:Map of Mahasuic group of languages.jpg|thumb|[[George Abraham Grierson|G.A. Grierson’s]] map of Mahasuic group of languages]]

[[File:Map of Mahasuic group of languages.jpg|thumb|[[George Abraham Grierson|G.A. Grierson’s]] map of Mahasuic group of languages]]

The regional and native language of the region is ”[[Mahasui]]” or ”Mahasu Pahari”. It is spoken in whole of the region, it has many dialects and sub-dialects. In [[Shimla district|Shimla]] and [[Solan district|Solan]] districts the language is spoken in its standard form but even then it has many dialects such as ”Kochi, Sudochi, Bishashau, Keonthali”, etc.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Context 29866: Mahasu Pahari (Source: Ethnologue: Languages of the World, 16th Edition (2009)) {{!}} Endangered Languages Project |url=https://endangeredlanguages.com/hi/node/96926 |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=endangeredlanguages.com}}</ref> In [[Solan district|Solan]] and [[Kalka]], [[Pinjore]] of [[Panchkula district]] in [[Haryana]], primary dialects are ”Baghati, Baghliani” and ”[[Hinduri language|Hinduri]]”. In [[Kullu district|Kullu]] district [[Kullui]] dialect,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-12-10 |title=Himachali: Indo-Aryan Languages of North India |url=https://pahari-languages.ru/?lang=en |access-date=2025-12-16 |language=en-US}}</ref> in [[Sirmaur district|Sirmaur]] [[Sirmauri language|”Sirmauri”]] dialect, in upper [[Mandi district]], outer ”Seraji” dialect of ”Mahasui” is spoken,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Western Pahari |url=https://www.ethnologue.com/subgroups/western-pahari |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20221220144432/https://www.ethnologue.com/subgroups/western-pahari |archive-date=2022-12-20 |access-date=2025-12-16 |work=Ethnologue |language=en}}</ref> in [[Jaunsar-Bawar]], ”[[Jaunsari language|Jaunsari]]” dialect,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jaunsari alphabet and language |url=https://www.omniglot.com/writing/jaunsari.htm |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=www.omniglot.com}}</ref> in [[Uttarkashi district|Uttarkashi]]’s Ravain, Bangan, Parvat, etc. regions has ”Jaunsari” and ”[[Bangani]]” dialects as their primary languages.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Glottolog 5.2 – Mahasu Pahari |url=https://glottolog.org/resource/languoid/id/maha1287 |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=glottolog.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Pahari, Mahasu {{!}} Ethnologue Free |url=https://www.ethnologue.com/language/bfz/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230704183713/https://www.ethnologue.com/language/bfz/ |archive-date=2023-07-04 |access-date=2025-12-16 |work=Ethnologue (Free All) |language=en-US}}</ref> These are some of the notable dialects of ”Mahasui” but there are many sub dialects of these dialects also, which change within some distance.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-26 |title=Exploring the Linguistic Tapestry of Himachal Pradesh: A Valley for Every Language |url=https://mysterioushimachal.wordpress.com/2023/07/26/exploring-the-linguistic-tapestry-of-himachal-pradesh-a-valley-for-every-language/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Mysterious Himachal |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mahasu Pahari language |url=https://www.omniglot.com/writing/mahasupahari.htm |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=www.omniglot.com}}</ref>

The regional and native language of the region is ”[[Mahasui]]” or ”Mahasu Pahari”. It is spoken in whole of the region, it has many dialects and sub-dialects. In [[Shimla district|Shimla]] and [[Solan district|Solan]] districts the language is spoken in its standard form but even then it has many dialects such as ”Kochi, Sudochi, Bishashau, Keonthali”, etc.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Context 29866: Mahasu Pahari (Source: Ethnologue: Languages of the World, 16th Edition (2009)) {{!}} Endangered Languages Project |url=https://endangeredlanguages.com/hi/node/96926 |access-date=16 |website=endangeredlanguages.com}}</ref> In [[Solan district|Solan]] and [[Kalka]], [[Pinjore]] of [[Panchkula district]] in [[Haryana]], primary dialects are ”Baghati, Baghliani” and ”[[Hinduri language|Hinduri]]”. In [[Kullu district|Kullu]] district [[Kullui]] dialect,<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 |title=Himachali: Indo-Aryan Languages of North India |url=https://pahari-languages.ru/?lang=en |access-date=16 |language=en-US}}</ref> in [[Sirmaur district|Sirmaur]] [[Sirmauri language|”Sirmauri”]] dialect, in upper [[Mandi district]], outer ”Seraji” dialect of ”Mahasui” is spoken,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Western Pahari |url=https://www.ethnologue.com/subgroups/western-pahari |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20221220144432/https://www.ethnologue.com/subgroups/western-pahari |archive-date=20 |access-date=16 |work=Ethnologue |language=en}}</ref> in [[Jaunsar-Bawar]], ”[[Jaunsari language|Jaunsari]]” dialect,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jaunsari alphabet and language |url=https://www.omniglot.com/writing/jaunsari.htm |access-date=16 |website=www.omniglot.com}}</ref> in [[Uttarkashi district|Uttarkashi]]’s Ravain, Bangan, Parvat, etc. regions has ”Jaunsari” and ”[[Bangani]]” dialects as their primary languages.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Glottolog 5.2 – Mahasu Pahari |url=https://glottolog.org/resource/languoid/id/maha1287 |access-date=16 |website=glottolog.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Pahari, Mahasu {{!}} Ethnologue Free |url=https://www.ethnologue.com/language/bfz/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230704183713/https://www.ethnologue.com/language/bfz/ |archive-date=2023 |access-date=2025 |work=Ethnologue (Free All) |language=en-US}}</ref> These are some of the notable dialects of ”Mahasui” but there are many sub dialects of these dialects also, which change within some distance.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023 |title=Exploring the Linguistic Tapestry of Himachal Pradesh: A Valley for Every Language |url=https://mysterioushimachal.wordpress.com/2023/07/26/exploring-the-linguistic-tapestry-of-himachal-pradesh-a-valley-for-every-language/ |access-date=16 |website=Mysterious Himachal |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mahasu Pahari language |url=https://www.omniglot.com/writing/mahasupahari.htm |access-date=16 |website=www.omniglot.com}}</ref>

== See also ==

== See also ==

Geographical region in India

Mahasu Mahasudesh and Mahadesh
Country	India
States	Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Haryana
District(s)	Himachal Pradesh: Shimla, Solan, Kullu, Sirmaur, Mandi, Kinnaur Uttarakhand: Dehradun, Uttarkashi Haryana: Panchkula
Largest city	Shimla
• Total	8,700–9,200 km2 (3,400–3,600 sq mi)
Demonym	Mahasui
• Regional	Mahasu Pahari
Time zone	Indian Standard Time

Mahasu also known as Mahasudesh or Mahadesh, is a term used to refer to the cultural homeland of the Mahasui people primarily covering the upper part of the Northen Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and western parts of the state of Uttarakhand. It covers Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Kullu, upper Mandi and lower Kinnaur districts in Himachal Pradesh and Jaunsar-Bawar region of Dehradun district and Bangan, Parvat, Ravaii, etc. parts of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand.^[1][2][3]

Mahasu region got its name from Mahasu Devta. The region is known as the land of Mahasu Maharaj. As many sources said that Mahasu Devta (four brothers) had been born in different places of the region like in Hanol in Jaunsar, another legend says Mahasu Peak in Kufri in Shimla, one legend says in Sirmaur district. As Mahasu Devta and many forms of different other Devis and Devtas auch as Naag Devta and Shirgul Maharaj, etc are worshipped in the region that’s why the region is also known as “Devbhoomi“.^[5][6]

The Mahasu region forms a part of Western Himalayan cultural belt which is inhabited since prehistoric times by agrarian communities which were adapted to cold and mountainous terrain. Archaeological and folkloric evidences tells the continuity of settlements were based on terrace farming, seasonal migration and social organisation. Since early historic times the region laid on the Shaivite traditions, local deities traditions and Hindu belief. The area did not had a single kingdom but consisted of various small hill chiefdoms.^[7][8]

During this era the Mahasu region remained politically fragmented. The local rulers used to govern small territories which often has forts, temples or river valleys. The region from the early times till even today (in some villages) governed by the local deities for justice delivery, even king’s order at that time was not supreme but the Devta’s orders were. It is believed that during this era Mahasu Devta cult gained prominence perhaps. The deity emerged as one of the supreme Lords of the region across multiple valleys and rivers.^[9]

These states were politically divided and independent but culturally they were interconnected. They shared language, religious practices and Devtas’ authority even above kings and rulers of these states.

After the Anglo-Gurkha War (1814–1816), many parts of the region came under the control of Britishers. They overtook many kingdoms.^[11] They didn’t abolished the hill states but reorganised through indirect rule, they made the Punjab Hill States^[12] and Simla Hill States which also included areas of Mahasu region. Britishers gave the idea of Mahasu district at that time which they named after the primary deity and language of the region.^[13]

After Indian independence in 1947, princely states of the region were merged into the Indian Union like other states of India. In 1948 Mahasu district was officially formed (includes today’s Shimla and Solan districts) after the 1948 integration of various Simla Hill States. On 1 May 1960, Kinnaur district was carved out from Mahasu’s Chini tehsil and parts of Rampur. On 1 September 1972, Mahasu district was reorganised and dissolved, with its areas forming the new Shimla and Solan districts as today.^[14]

The culture of Mahasu region is deeply rooted in the folk Hindu traditions. The Mahasu region culturally and linguistically distincts from it’s neighbours that of Garhwal region and Lower Himachal region (Kangra region). Mahasu region primarily follows Dev Parampara. The region has many temples dedicated to particular Devta or Devi. People of the region has their own Kuldevta and Kuldevi (also known as Kulja in Mahasui). Mahasu Devta is the primary deity of the region represented by four brothers and known as Mahasu Devta collectively. The people of the region mainly believes in the authority of Devtas of the region or their Kul Devta and Kul Devi (family deity) or Gram Devta (village deity).^[15]

The temples of the region mainly follows Kath Kuni and Nagara architectural styles in which the temples are made up with woods and stone materials, which is beneficial in winters as in snowfall and in heavy monsoons which is required in such mountainous terrain. Temples in the region are usually located on the hilltop.^[16][17]

The primary temple of the region is Mahasu Devta Temple located in Hanol, Jaunsar. The temple is dedicated to the primary Devta of the region, Mahasu Devta.^[18][19][20]

Shirgul Maharaj Devta is also one of the primary deities of the region. His main temple is located on Churdhar peak Sirmaur district.^[21] There are various temples dedicated to Shirgul Maharaj in wjole of the Mahasu region as in Chaupal in Shimla district and in many other places of the region.

The region has many temples dedicated to Naag Devta. Naag Devta (Serpeant God) is also one the primary Devtas of the region. People believe that he saves them from all evils and problems. In maximum villages of the region there is at least one temple dedicated to Naag Devta.^[22][23][24] Major Naag Devta temples in the region are Mul Mahunag in Karsog in Mandi district^[25], Mahunag Mandir Shagin in Shoghi, Shimla^[26], Kamrunag in Mandi district^[27], etc.^[28]

The people of the region also worship their spirits of their ancestors in the form of Devta or Kuldevta. There are temples dedicated to them and these Devtas connect and communicate to the people in the form of Gur (Shaman) also known as Deenva, Maali, etc. in various dialects of Mahasui.^[29]

The region’s traditional attire reflects the cold mountainous environment. People wear Himachali cap as the main headwear worn by both men and women, Dhatu is also a headwear worn by wone of the region. Pattu mainly worn by men and Shawls and Chola by women.^[30] Rejta is also a long frock styled attire worn by women of the region.^[31] People also wear many handcrafted ornaments and handwoven attires.^[32][33][34]

The people of the Mahasu region has their traditional dance amd music form Nati.^[35] Many other dance forms are also followed by people such as in Sirmaur and Jaunsar apart from Nati, Hathi, Harul and Thandi dance forms are performed by people on festivand celebratory occasions.^[36][37] In Keonthal area of Shimla and in Solan Pahari Giddha is also performed in marriages and festivities, as well as Gangi (Pahari form of Tappa) are also performed by ladies of the families.^[38]

Jhoori is another type of music form which celebrates romance, the word Jhoori means lover and is accompanied by female dance called Jhoomar.^[39] Laman form of music is from Kullu are another type music form that celebrates romance.^[40]

As per the people of the region mainly follows Hinduism, all the festivals relation to the region are celebrated woth pure joy and enthusiasm like any other region of the country but the different forms of festivals which the people of the region celebrate are as the society of the region mainly involves agrarian community, they have their own ritual calendar of the festivals, such major festivals include Bishu which is spring harvest celebration,^[41] Fagli which is winter festival involving masked performances.^[42] Local deities fairs where the village deities are ceremonially in palanquins (rathas) like Bakralu Devta Bhunda festival^[43][44], Shaant Mahayagya Gwas^[45] in Rohru and adjoining areas and alike other such feastivals and fairs.^[46] Lavi fair is the largest celebrated fair of the region which happens in Rampur Bushahr.^[47] Budhi Diwali is also one of the prominent region celebrated in whole of the region like Shimla, Kullu^[48] but especially celebrated by the Hatee sub-community in the region, in Sirmaur and Jaunsar, after the actual Diwali for a month.^[49][50]

The regional and native language of the region is Mahasui or Mahasu Pahari. It is spoken in whole of the region, it has many dialects and sub-dialects. In Shimla and Solan districts the language is spoken in its standard form but even then it has many dialects such as Kochi, Sudochi, Bishashau, Keonthali, etc.^[51] In Solan and Kalka, Pinjore of Panchkula district in Haryana, primary dialects are Baghati, Baghliani and Hinduri. In Kullu district Kullui dialect,^[52] in Sirmaur Sirmauri dialect, in upper Mandi district, outer Seraji dialect of Mahasui is spoken,^[53] in Jaunsar-Bawar, Jaunsari dialect,^[54] in Uttarkashi‘s Ravain, Bangan, Parvat, etc. regions has Jaunsari and Bangani dialects as their primary languages.^[55][56] These are some of the notable dialects of Mahasui but there are many sub dialects of these dialects also, which change within some distance.^[57][58]