Khaśa, (skt:खश) Khāśakas and khaśal are Ethno-linguistic group of people inhabiting the surrounding areas of Chenab river. They speak Khaśi dialect of Western Pahari language family. They are closely related to Bhadarwahi, Sarazi, and Rudhārī linguistic groups.[1][2]
खश | |
---|---|
Religion | |
Hinduism | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Rudhāri, Bhaderwahi |
History
The earliest mention of the word Khaśa can be found in the epic Mahabharata, where they are mentioned to have inhabited regions in the vicinity of Gandhara , Trigarta, and the Madra Kingdom. They are also identified in the Rajatarangini to be residing in the regions close to kāṣṭhavāṭa (present day Kishtwar) and on the banks of chandrabhaga(chenab).[3]
Culture
Festivals
The Khaśa community observes numerous festivals that are unique to their cultural heritage, diverging from the mainstream festivities observed elsewhere in India. These festivals are characterized by their tantric essence, reflecting the spiritual and ritualistic traditions inherent within Khaśa culture.
Khaḍal
It is a three day festival, organised by a family for the fullfilment of a wish. In preparation for the festival, family members observe a tradition of sleeping on the floor for the 15 days preceding the event.
On the first day, ‘pyala’(lit. drinkable) is prepared which is a soup of a herb known as ‘kodray’ in local language. It is given to all the devotees attending the festival and represents the poison swallowed by shiva during the event of Churning of ocean. On the second day of the festival, there is a continuation of rituals with recitation of mantras. On the third and final day, two pots filled with rice are placed in the center of the house to symbolize Shankar and Gowra, alternative names for Shiva and Parvati in the local language. Additionally, wheat flour rolls are served with ghee and honey as part of traditional customs.[4]
References
- ^ "SPPEL - Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages". www.sppel.org. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
- ^ Kaul, P. K. (2006). Pahāṛi and other tribal dialects of Jammu. 1 (1st ed.). Delhi, India: Eastern Book Linkers. pp. 9–92. ISBN 978-81-7854-101-3.
- ^ Kaul, S. (2013-11-26). "Kalhana's Kashmir: Aspects of the Literary Production of Space in the Rajatarangini". Indian Historical Review (2): 176–217. doi:10.1177/0376983613499675 (inactive 2024-03-15). ISSN 0376-9836.
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: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of March 2024 (link) - ^ Aash, Mohan Lal. Cultural History Of Doda J And K By Mohan Lal Aash Anonymous.