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Most of the Lahulis follow a combination of Hinduism and Tibetan
Buddhism of the Drukpa order, while the Spiti Bhotia follow Tibetan
Buddhism of the Gelugpa order. Within Lahul, the Baralacha-La region
had the strongest Buddhist influence, owing to its close proximity
to Spiti. Lahul has temples such as
Triloknath, where pilgrims worship a certain god in different
manifestations, notably in the form of
Shiva and Avalokiteshvara. Before the spread of Tibetan
Buddhism and
Hinduism, the people were adherents of the religion 'Lung Pe
Chhoi', an animistic religion that had some affinities with the Bön
religion of
Tibet.
While the religion flourished, animal and human sacrifices were
regularly offered up to the 'Iha', a term that refers to evil
spirits residing in the natural world, notably in the old
pencil-cedar trees, rocks and caves. Vestiges of the Lung Pe Chhoi
religion can be seen in the behaviour of the Lamas, who are believed
to possess certain supernatural powers.
The Losar festival (also known as Halda in Lahuli) is celebrated
between the months of January and February. The date of celebration
is decided by the Lamas. It has the same significance as the Diwali
festival of
Hinduism, but is celebrated in a Tibetan fashion.
At the start of the festival, two or three persons from every
household will come holding burning incense. The burning sticks are
then piled into a bonfire. The people will then pray to
Shiskar Apa, the goddess of wealth
in the Buddhist religion. |
