Himachal Pradesh is indeed the land of Gods and Bhunda Mahayagya in Spail valley is a live testimony of the same. Let us dwell in detail on this unique event which is held after a gap of 40 years in high hill region of Himachal Pradesh.
The village of Dalgaon is a sleepy village in true sense if you happen to visit it during winters. Occasion smoke billowing from traditional houses built of wood and slates creates a unique ambiance indeed.
However, this small village in Rohru subdivision of Shimla district came alive after 40 years indeed when in the month of January 2025, the Bhunda Mahayagya in Spail valley was celebrated with religious fervour.
Festive Atmosphere
Bhunda Mahayagya in Spail valley has been a convergence of festivity and religion intermixed. In this Mahayagya villagers from neighbouring region stand in attendance with palquis of Lord Maheshwar, Maurish, Baundra and Parshuram. These devotees come to village Dalgaon as a mark of respect to Bakralu devta who is the host of Bhunda Mahayagya in Spail valley.
The devtas from neighbouring region arrive at this village before dawn. It is indeed an exciting moment as religious chants and slogans reverberate through the Spail valley before dawn on this auspicious day.
A unique aspect of this Mahayagya is that the devotees are armed with traditional weapons which they carry as a mark of respect only. To welcome them Devta Bakralu is also waiting in attendance. In short, this Mahayagya also serves as a reminder that people in upper reaches of Himachal Pradesh truly hold interest in maintaining their religious ethos.
Four Day Festivity
Bhunda Mahayagya in Spail valley is a four day festive gathering in which the beginning of the Mahayagya is marked by Sanghera, a ritual in which deities residing in this region gather. The deities from the neighbouring region who have come to attend the Bhunda Mahayagya in Spail valley are welcomed by some traditional sacrifices.
This event is well managed and the first devta who enters here is Maurish Rishi from Ratnari. Needless to say, he is accompanied by devotees who dance with religious fervour and true devotion.
Traditional Relevance of Bhunda Mahayagya
The history of Bhunda Mahayagya in Spail valley goes back to ancient times when Nar Medh Yagna was held. Devta Barkalu is the traditional devta of the Spail valley and hold great faith among the locals here.
Devta Bakralu is said to have come to this region to protect its people from hardships which the devta has truly done. His allies like Ektanga, Baundra, Maurish join him when Bhunda Mahayagya is performed here.
Beda ritual is a speciality of Bhunda Mahayagya in Spail valley which is equal to human sacrifice which used to be done in ancient times in this region. However, now this is only symbolic and the tradition still continues.
Sanghera on first day of Bhunda Mahayagya
On day one of the festivities, Sanghera or sacred meeting of different deities is done. Different devtas like Devta Bakralu, Ektanga, Baundra, Maheswar, Maurish and Parshuram come together.
Shikha Pher
Shikha Pher is performed on day 2 which involve sacrifice of lambs and devta takes a tour of the area in which Kashkandi Brahmins participate. On this auspicious occasion devotees from eleven villages which come under devta Bakralu come together for rituals and prasad is distributed for their goodwill.
Beda Ritual
This is the key event of Bhunda Mahayagya in Spail valley. Traditionally, this is being performed by Surat Ram who slides down the rope. Sandbags are tied to his Beda to keep him balanced. Post, the event the person who successfully accomplishes this task is carried on Devta Bakralu’s palki and is facilitated. Devotees touch his feet and seek blessings from the devta indeed.
Uchar Pachar
Deities bid farewell on day four of the Bhunda Mahayagya in Spail valley. The deities return to their base location and this religious event comes to an end. Bhunda Mahayagya is a celebration of faith, devotion and the religious ethos of people of this region in particular and Himachal Pradesh in general who have maintained this legacy over the centuries.
It is for this reason only that Himachal Pradesh is truly considered to the “ Land of Gods”!
by 
