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Bageshwar: The role of ‘Dangaria’ or ‘Ghanyali’ is considered to be the most prominent in the traditional Jagar ritual performed in the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand. It is believed that as soon as Jagar begins, due to the beat of Dhol-Damaun, mantras of Jagarwal and spiritual vibrations created in the environment, the local deity and divine spirit incarnates in the body of a person. This person is called Dangaria, who is worshiped as the direct representative of the deity during the entire ritual.
The role of ‘Dangaria’ is considered the most important in the Jagar rituals performed in Kumaon and Garhwal. Jagar Mantra starts with the sounds of Dhol-Damaun and Jagarwal. During this time, a local deity or soul is considered to incarnate in a person’s body, and the same person is called Dangaria. The dangaria is considered to be the direct representative of the deity during the entire ritual. In the villages his words are given the form of oracles. He listens to the sorrows and joys of the people and gives the message of the deity, hence his role is linked with reverence, faith and belief.
The belief that the divine power descends on the dangaria during Jagar is a centuries-old tradition. The rhythm of Dhol-Damaun, the mantras of Jagarwal and the spiritual vibrations created in the atmosphere take him to a special state. It is believed that in this state his body becomes the vehicle of the deity. When the dangaria vibrates, dances or speaks loudly, people consider it a sign of the presence of a deity. He also listens to the surrounding problems and gives answers as per the wishes of the deity. For this reason, Dangaria is considered extremely sacred and revered in the villages.
A person becoming a Dungariya has to follow very strict rules. There should be no intoxication in his life and it is necessary for him to take pure and sattvik diet. It is mandatory to keep distance from meat, alcohol and food considered impure. His daily routine is based on restraint, discipline and purity. Mental concentration is considered most important in this, because it is believed that divine power can incarnate only in a person whose mind, body and life are completely pure. For this reason, Dungariya is viewed with respect in the village.
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During Jagar, it is considered completely normal for the dangriya to dance, tremble and suddenly be filled with energy. As the beat of Dhol-Damaun becomes more intense, Dangaria also moves with the same speed and rhythm. Sometimes he moves in circles, and sometimes he suddenly stops and gives signals. Since he is considered to be the medium of God, his every action is seen as a message from God. Many times the words coming out of his mouth are also considered as divine speech. People guess from his behavior whether the God is happy or angry. For this reason, the role of Dangriya and its conduct in Jagar is the main center of the entire ritual.
Dangaria is given god-like respect in the villages, because it is considered a bridge between humanity and divinity. When he gives a message during Jagar, people accept it with full devotion considering it to be a divine word. In villages, his opinion is considered important in major decisions like farming, house construction, marriage and settlement of disputes. It is believed that the Gods communicate directly through Dangaria, hence its very presence creates a sense of security and protection among the people. Because of this faith he has a special and high position in the society.
Many days before Jagar, Dangaria starts his mental and physical penance. During this time he observes strict celibacy, fasting and a completely pure diet. To maintain purity in body and mind, special bath, meditation and worship is done. He remains completely absorbed in meditation by keeping distance from negative thoughts, anger and external contact. Many families keep Dangaria in a separate room so that its sanctity remains intact. It is believed that the purer the dungariya is, the more powerful the God will be present in the Jagar.
In Jagar, the relationship between Jagarwal (chief priest) and Dangaria is considered very important. Jagarwal takes Dangariya to a divine state through his mantra-singing, rhythm and experience. The deeper the coordination between the two, the more successful and powerful Jagar is considered to be. On the sound of Jagarwal’s voice and the tune of Dhol-Damaun, Dangaria dances, trembles and conveys the divine message. At the same time, Jagarwal takes the ritual forward by understanding every movement, gesture and gesture of Dangriya. It is not just a method, but a wonderful coordination created over years of practice, tradition and spiritual connection.
Even amidst all the new interpretations of modernity and science, the tradition of Dungariya is alive with full force in the mountains today. It is not only a matter of religious faith, but also the basis of community trust and cultural affiliation. For the villagers, dungariya is a support in times of crisis, a medium on which the blessings of the gods always remain. Many people believe that science can explain many things, but the experience of divine presence is beyond reason. This is the reason why even today Dangaria remains a strong symbol of spiritual guide, social trust and cultural identity in the villages.
