Boda Tyohar Hati Tribe’s Grand Cultural Festival Begins in Himachal Pradesh

Hati Tribe Celebrates Boda Tyohar with Month-Long Cultural Festivities in Himachal Pradesh

The Hati tribal community has begun celebrations of Boda Tyohar , its most significant annual cultural festival, across Nahan and the Trans-Giri region of Sirmour in Himachal Pradesh. Observed by more than three lakh community members, the month-long festival showcases the tribe’s ancient traditions, social customs, and strong community bonds.

Cultural Importance of Boda Tyohar

Popularly referred to as “Magho ka Tyohar” , Boda Tyohar holds deep socio-religious significance for the Hati people. According to community leaders, the festival is observed across 154 panchayats in the Trans-Giri belt and is also celebrated in the Jaunsar Babar area of Uttarakhand, as well as parts of upper Shimla, Choupal tehsil, and Kinnaur .

The festivities commence on the eve of Posh Dwadashi and unfold in three sequential phases , each marked by distinct rituals and community gatherings.

Rituals, Cuisine, and Deity Worship

The festival begins with Bhatioj , during which families prepare traditional dishes such as Pude, Bedoli, Patanday, Dhroti, and Gudoli , offering them to village deities. Ceremonies often take place at temples dedicated to revered local gods such as Shirgul Maharaj , Bijat Maharaj , and Mahasu Maharaj .

In many villages, cultural activities centre around the Sanjha Angan , usually near the shrine of Thari Devi , where collective singing, dancing, and storytelling continue throughout the festival period.

Women-Centric Customs and Social Harmony

Boda Tyohar highlights the prominent role of women in Hati society. A key tradition involves brothers visiting their married sisters with “Saje ka Duna” , while sisters customarily return to their parental homes during the festival. Families preserve a portion of meat until the sisters arrive, honouring them as special guests.

On the eighth day, the Khoda ceremony is observed, featuring elaborate family feasts. A cooked heart of a male goat is traditionally served to the most respected guest, symbolising honour and social hierarchy.

Living Heritage of a Recognised Tribe

Following Khoda, the tradition of Boidoot begins, during which households host relatives and villagers for communal meals, reinforcing social cohesion. Scholars and anthropologists continue to document these customs, recognising Boda Tyohar as a vital expression of living heritage.

The festival has gained added significance after the Hati community was officially recognised as a Scheduled Tribe through a constitutional amendment on August 4, 2023 , concluding a movement that spanned over five decades.

Key Exam-Focused Points

• Boda Tyohar is the largest annual festival of the Hati Scheduled Tribe .

• Celebrations begin on the eve of Posh Dwadashi and last for about a month.

• The festival is observed in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand’s Jaunsar Babar region .

• The Hati community received