Which of the following best coptures the core rituals and symbolism of the Fagli (Kus/Kuns) festival in Pattan Valley?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Punha involves symbolic ploughing indoors using willow sticks, reflecting farming hopes during snow.
Punha involves symbolic ploughing indoors using willow sticks, reflecting farming hopes during snow. The Fagli (Kus/Kuns) festival is celebrated in the remote Pattan Valley of Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh during late winter. Because the valley remains covered with heavy snow, real agricultural work cannot begin at that time. To symbolically welcome the coming farming season, villagers perform a ritual called Punha. In this ritual, people imitate ploughing inside their homes using willow sticks, representing ploughs and farming tools. This act expresses hope for a successful harvest and prosperity once the snow melts and cultivation becomes possible. The ritual highlights the deep connection between the local community, seasonal cycles, and agricultural traditions that shape life in the high Himalayan region.