Pahari Diwas 2023: Celebration, Significance, Folk Dance, Sport Thoda

Himachal Pradesh enthusiastically celebrated 'Pahari Divas' on November 1 to promote and conserve the state's traditional art and culture. 'Pahari Divas' was celebrated with grandeur and enthusiasm throughout the hill state of north India. The ancient folk sport known as 'Thoda' was the primary attraction of the Pahari Divas in Shimla which is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh.

About Pahari Divas

• Himachal Pradesh has been celebrating Pahari Divas since 1966.
• The objective is to maintain and encourage the customary art and culture of Himachal Pradesh.
• The three-day celebration was organised during Pahari Divas which aims to preserve hill culture of  Himachal Pradesh. 

What is Thoda?

• Thoda is a Himachal Pradesh martial art style. It is a fusion of archery, dance, and music.
• The youthful dancers performed a Mahabharata-era dance and sports style called "Thoda." 
• It might be a symbolic portrayal of the war mentioned in the Mahabharata.
• It was named for the circular wood ball that was used to replace the lethal arrowhead. 

Origin of Thoda and Relation with Mahabharata

• Thoda might be a metaphorical portrayal of the war mentioned in the Mahabharata. 
• It is thought to have begun as a combat skill practised by the Pandavas and Kauravas in the Mahabharata. 

When is the Thoda art form performed?

• Thoda is typically played alongside other customary games at different local events.
• It is performed by Rajputs in the Himachal Pradesh districts of Sirmour, Shimla, and Solan.

About Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh became a full-fledged state on January 25, 1971 which is a western Himalayas. The majority of the state is located in the foothills of the Dhauladhar Range. It became the eighteenth state of India.

• Date of Formation: 25th January 1971
• State Animal: Snow Leopard
• State Bird: Western Tragopan
• State Flower: Pink Rhododendron
• Solan: Mushroom Capital of India
• Sirmaur : leading flower producing district

Important facts about Himachal Pradesh

• Himachal Pradesh became a part C state on January 26, 1950, with the establishment of the Indian Constitution.
• Himachal Pradesh became a Union Territory on November 1, 1956.
• The State of Himachal Pradesh Act was enacted by Parliament on December 18, 1970, and the new state was established on January 25, 1971.
• Shimla district is the biggest producer of fruits.
• The highest mountain peak in Himachal Pradesh is Reo Purgyil (6816 m).
• Rock salt reserves in the nation are exclusively owned by Himachal Pradesh.
• Dharamshala is the residence of the Dalai Lama and the headquarters of the Central Tibetan Administration. 
• Kasol is known as 'Mini Israel,' maybe because the majority of its visitors are of Israeli descent, and most of the stores and inns have Hebrew signage. 
• Malana, a relatively unknown and secluded village in Himachal Pradesh, is also known as 'The Village of Taboos' due to its stringent regulations of no stranger touching any wall or belonging to the people.
• Indeed, it has received the title of 'Best Hashish' twice: first in 1994 and again in 1996 at the High Times magazine Cannabis Cup.
• Shimla is the only site in Asia that has a natural ice skating rink.