- A quiet state in the Himalayas has a mysterious culture of its own. Nicknamed 'Land of the demigods', the powerful music of religious musicians brings the faith of locals to life!
- Himachal Pradesh is a state in North India famous for stunning views of the Himalayas, but what is lesser known about it, is the richness of its culture. Nicknamed "Devbhumi" or "Land of demigods", Himachal is a booming spiritual destination. In Secrets of Himachal, we take the viewer through a journey across time, to ancient temples and rituals that keep the faith of locals alive.
We start with a journey to the special temples in Himachal. The Rangnath temples for instance, submerged in the last century along with an entire city when a damn was constructed, emerging in winter months when water levels recede. The Bhimakali temple is surrounded by the high Himalayas, and is one of the few goddess-oriented "Shaktipeeth" temples.
A lot of sacred traditions that have faded away in the rest of India still exist here. Every village has a demigod, a spirit believed to look after the people who are born there. In Mandi city, idol figures of hundreds of demigods from all over the state are brought together in palanquins, giving pilgrims a rare chance to experience what its like to be surrounded by a kind of energy not seen anywhere else in the world.
The Shivratri festival in Mandi is especially highlighted because it's a great place to experience all of these elements in one single place, when palanquins from the entire state carrying the deities of locals are brought together in a staggering sight. The "milan" or meeting of devi-devtas is detailed, a process during which deities of different villages "meet" each other, with their palanquins swinging next to each other.
Bajantris who are part of this culture are interviewed, and express why it is that they do what they do best.
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