Dechang - A Winter Festival in Kibber , Spiti Valley

              Though the winter was in its best form, our winter tour of Spiti was around the corner. The erstwhile desolate winter village - often referred to, and tagged as Asia's highest village and now known for ghost cats -  snow leopards, KIbber came alive after the announcement of a Festival held in winter.

We were surprised to know from locals that, dechang is celebrated on 23rd February, a day before and it came to us as a blessing in disguise.

The word De - chang or Da chang means Arrow and Local drinks Arak, Chhang, Lugari, Aura, and Chiang.It is a winter festival celebrated as a greeting to the men's folk and longevity. 

The whole hamlet which looked desolate was in vibrant colors as soon as the sunlight diminished.Men clad in attractive garments in eloquent colors walked through alleys. Traditional attire for men includes 'Sultan' (on the lower part of the body) and 'Chola' (on the upper part) with a belt called 'Dora'. Women wear long shawls called 'Pattoo' and Dhatu' or 'Thipu' on their heads.

Unmindful of dropping temperatures to -20 degree temperature, we could see children and local women folk gathering on the housetops to witness the festivity.

The commencement of festivity started with the beating of drums and blowing pooh. The sound of chams reverberated in the air. Women dressed in traditional attire accompanied sang the local songs. As a sign of celebration, a sweet dish called desil - made out of rice, yak butter, raisins, and almonds was distributed by the young folk. It tasted yummy!

I  could see in the distance a heap of snow, in a cylindrical shape. Men and children holding a bow and arrows gathered in a group. In my 2 weeklong stays in Spiti, I did not see that many folks in the congregation.

The sound of drums and music reached a crescendo, I could see the Priest or devta accompanied drummers with women folk approaching me downward from the alleys. The priest clad in colorful attire, holding a huge sword in his right hand. A bottle of Arak - A local drink of Spiti made out of barley or rice. The attendants of the monastery made way for him and soon I could hear the chants and dance to the rhythm of the music. He performs the ritual. going around facing the sky, to ward off evil spirits and for good fortune!

The festival dechang marks the peak of the winter festival. Arak or Aara  - local barley beer is been given to mother earth for the good fortune and well-being of all. 

Holding a bow and arrow he shoots an arrow in the sky in the direction of a snow mound, in the distance. Men and children too shoot arrows and rejoice. The sky is in a riot of colors as the sun goes down. All village folk dance, rejoice and celebrate savoring the local drink Arak to keep them warm.

The celebration continues the whole night with singing and dancing.