Gorkha community celebrates joyous Deusi-Bhailo festival in Assam

The Gorkha community is in high spirits as they celebrate their traditional festival with vibrant enthusiasm, marking a significant cultural event across the state. In the Bagijan area, which falls under the Gohpur subdivision, the atmosphere is filled with excitement as the community comes together to partake in the festivities.

Throughout Bagijan and Gohpur, households are buzzing with activity, as families extend their hospitality by performing Deusi-Bhailo in the evenings. This cherished tradition involves groups of singers and dancers visiting homes to bless families and share festive cheer, symbolizing goodwill and unity within the community.

The festival coincides with the Diwali season and spans five days of celebration. It begins with Kaori Tihar, where families honor their ancestors, followed by Kukur Tihar, which celebrates the bond between humans and dogs. The third day, Lakshmi Tihar or Gai Tihar, is dedicated to worshipping cows, considered sacred in Hindu culture. This is succeeded by Govardhan Puja, commemorating Lord Krishna's victory over Indra, and culminates with Bhai Tika, a day devoted to honoring brothers and their role in protecting their sisters.

Deusi and Bhailo, often referred to collectively as Deusi/Bhailo, are traditional folk songs originating from Nepal that are performed during the Tihar festival. This vibrant celebration extends beyond Nepal, finding its way into the Darjeeling hills, Sikkim, Assam, and various regions in India where the Gorkhali diaspora resides. During this festive time, both children and adults participate in Deusi/Bhailo by singing, dancing, and visiting homes within their communities. They typically collect money, sweets, and food while bestowing blessings for prosperity upon their hosts.

Traditionally, Bhailo is sung by girls and women on the evening of Lakshmi Puja, while Deusi is performed by boys and men the following night. In more recent years, it has become common for mixed groups to perform either or both songs on the respective nights. The girls who sing Bhailo are referred to as Bhailini, and the boys who perform Deusi are known as Deuse. After the performances, it is customary for the hosts to offer food and monetary gifts to the singers and dancers as a token of gratitude, while the Deusi/Bhailo performers reciprocate by imparting blessings of fortune and abundance.