Deep Meditation of Gods and the self-imposed restrictions followed by villagers!

Villagers of Goshal village and nine tiny hamlets of Manali, Himachal Pradesh do not make a noise for 42 days from Makar Sankranti. All activities come to a grinding halt for 42 days. The residents stop listening to music, watching television and even tilling their lands. The villagers observe total silence during that period. Ceremonies like marriage are not solemnized. The locals even keep their mobile ringtones off. Even outsiders are not exempted from the injunctions. Even iron implements are not used in agricultural fields and orchards. They take a break from the routine like tilling and cutting wood and fodder. The womenfolk normally sit together during their period at one place, stitch clothes and knit woolens for the next season. As these are noiseless activities, they are permitted.

It is believed that during these period “Gods” are in deep meditation and we do not have right to disturb Him. The chief deity referred here is Sage Gautam. The other major deities worshipped in the area include Sage Vyasa and Kanchan Nag, a serpent deity. The villagers have been following this unique practice of self-imposed restrictions for centuries