Dhungri Mela: a 'Manali' traditional fair to impress Goddess Hadimba

Dhungri Mela at Manali is absolutely an astounding Festival which is commemorated at the Hadimba Temple in the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh. Dedicated to Goddess Hidimba (Hadimba), it is one of the distinguished Fests, observed in the Hadimba Temple. This eminent Gala is solemnized to remark the birth-anniversary of Goddess Hadimba every year.

Dhungri Mela in Manali is a traditional fair to impress Goddess-Hadimba and is observed in the month of May for three days. Devotees will memorialize the occasion from 14-16th May, this year at Hadimba Temple.

Being the most prestigious Mela, it has now become the most important Festival in Manali and is well-known amongst the Manali peeps.

Hidimba Devi Temple, locally known as Dhungari Temple, also known variously as the Hadimba Temple, is located in Manāli, a hill station in the State of Himāchal Pradesh in north India. It is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, wife of Bhima, a figure in the Indian epic Mahabharata.

The unrevealed fact about Hidamba Temple

Bhima was one of the powerful Pandava brothers from the majestic Hindu fable- Mahabharata. Being the wife of Bhima, she was one of the vigorous deities in Hindu Mythology. She is reverenced and hence worshipped in ‘Shakti Avatara’ (manifestation) among the ardent admirers of Manali. Devi temple is surrounded around a cave where Hidimba performed meditation for a long time.

The story associated with this temple

Devi Hidimba lived there with her brother Hidimb, and their parents are not much popular. The siblings were born into a Rakshas family, Hidimba took a vow to marry one, who would defeat her brother Hidimb and supposed to be very brave and fearless. The Epic Mahabharata states that the Pandavas stayed in Himachal during their exile. And during their exile, when they visited Manali; Bhima, one of the five Pandavas, killed Hidimb, who was the brother of Hidimba. Thereafter, Hidimba married Bhima and gave birth to their son ‘Ghatotkacha’. They had a son whom they named Ghatotkacha. However, when Bhima and his brothers returned from exile, Hidimba did not accompany them and decided to stay back to perform a tough penance to attain the status of a goddess in the end.

Reasons behind the festival celebration

Dhungri Mela is a popular festival not only in Manali but the worshippers from various nearby villages come together to celebrate Goddess- Hidimba birthday.
Kullu Nati folk dance is a traditional dance form of Manali Tribes which goes on for so long among the dancers flock with immense gusto. The artists perform their signature steps by hitching their arms and swinging to the rhythmic orchestral beats of the drums. They put their traditional attires including- whirling tunic dresses and adorned hats.
This antiquated and prodigious holy sanctum is a four-tiered pagoda with a facade of wood sculptures and effigies.
The temple is now renowned as one of the illustrious Hindu Pilgrimages to revere the Goddess with much devotion.
The locals and legendaries say that animal sacrifices are still made here in her honour n Hadimba Devi temple during these festivities.
Hadimba Temple is a much-respected shrine for the local devotees, where the Goddess is being taken care in times of natural hardship or calamity and on special ceremonies. However, in accordance with Hira Nand Shastri, this temple is an antique of about 500 years old. As such no idol is cherished and only a footprint on a stone has been kept in the complex.