Jagar is a ritual of spirit worship of one’s ancestors and is based on the love and respect for the deceased. In some cultures, it is believed that the dead have a continued existence, and may possess the ability to influence the fortune of the living. The veneration of the dead. However, consider veneration of the dead to be idolatry and sin.
I was asked to participate in one of the practices in my hometown, Kalkot, Uttarakhand. My grandfather guided me throughout, He briefed me that as a ritual, the gods and the local deities are woken from their dormant stage and asked for favors or remedies. It is an idea for divine justice and is practiced to seek penance for sin and seek justice from
the god. a source of belief. Jagar which means ‘to wake’.
It was the month of April; the hills experience the delight of the summer season. snow and cold winters have bid their farewells, and spring is in the air. The time for rabi crops to harvest and cultivate new crops in the land for the coming month. as the villagers of the hilly areas are highly dependent on the farming, which requires strength and positivity to get through the process, therefore, the spiritual act takes place at the time ‘to wake’ and refresh the thoughts.
Music is the medium through which the spirits are invoked. Jagariya, the singer of the ballads, leads the rituals and invokes singing along in the chorus, playing Hurka, Damaru or Doonr, Damau and Thali. The music is played loudly and creates a great aura that takes your whole consciousness and center your focus on the trail of thoughts, the practice to clear up your mind and soul and detox all the worries from one’s body. the aura of music makes you lost in the muse, realize and confront their deep notions and express them openly. The sense of movement allows you to express holly, free yourself to move around, and express the emotion. the whole performance and the act left a sense of deep relief, nakedness, and strength to move forward. It makes me believe in true spirit and justice within.
The true god lies within and asks to be awakened by the time, so you never get puzzled in the chaotic world.
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