Story of Ghughuti | Culture of Kumaon

“Kale Kauwa Kale Ghughuti, Bada Kha Le”

Every January 14th, as children, we would gather on the terrace with garlands of ghughuti and khajoor, delicacies made of jaggery, ghee, and flour, chanting, “Kale kauwa kale ghughuti bada kha le.”

No pigeon, cat, or any other bird was allowed to eat it. Our innocent belief was that a black crow, and only a crow, would come to eat them.

To preserve folklore and tradition, the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand celebrates Makar Sankranti, also known as Uttarain (Uttarayana), by making Ghuguti and feeding crows.

It was said that, once people from Kumaon migrated to the plains due to the cold winter winds, they prepared food items that would stay fresh for a long time during their travels.

The long shelf life and nutritional value of ghughuti, a combination of jaggery, ghee, and flour, made it a staple for such journeys. Over time, cultural rituals and folklore incorporated this practical preparation, adding multiple layers of meaning to the festival.

The Legend of the Crow and the King’s Son

Every festival has a story behind it, and the Ghughuti festival is no exception.

One popular tale recounts the story of a Kumaoni king and his beloved son, Ghughuti. Adored by the king, the young prince once wore a garland of diamonds gifted by his father.

However, driven by greed, a treacherous guard kidnaps the prince, intending to steal the precious garland.

As the kidnapper fled, a crow witnessed the crime.

When the guard removed the garland from the prince’s neck, the crow swooped down, snatching it away.

The clever bird returned the garland to the king and guided him to the place where his son was being held.

Grateful for the crow’s help, the king announced that crows would forever be revered in the region.

Thus, the practice of feeding crows during the Ghughuti festival began, symbolizing gratitude and respect for the blackbird.

Another Tale of Loyalty

Another folklore connects the festival to a king who was betrayed by his men. The loyal crow, ever watchful, uncovered the plot to overthrow the king and warned him in time, saving both his life and his throne.

To honour this act of loyalty, the people of Kumaon celebrate the crow as a guardian and harbinger of good fortune.

The Festival and Its Unique Traditions

Ghughuti is made by mixing flour, jaggery, and ghee, and a dough is prepared; the dough is then moulded into different shapes and fried. Children strung them into garlands with fruits, then roam around the house or terrace, chanting the familiar rhyme to attract the crows.

The festival is not merely about rituals but also serves as a way to instil values of sharing, gratitude, and harmony with nature.

Feeding crows symbolizes respect for all living beings and serves as a reminder of the tales of loyalty and bravery that underpin this celebration.

A Symbolic Ending

As the morning sun rises over the hills of Kumaon, the empty plates and garlands bring smiles to young faces. The belief that the crows have taken their offerings ties together a thread of continuity between folklore and modern life.

The Ghughuti festival, in its simplicity, reminds us of the beauty of traditions, the importance of storytelling, and our connection with nature and its creatures.

Therefore, this Makar Sankranti, as you prepare your Ghughuti garlands and chant “Kale kauwa kale ghughuti bada kha le,” remember the stories of loyalty and gratitude that make this festival so special.

Feed the crows, cherish the traditions, and pass the tales to the next generation, keeping alive the rich heritage of Kumaon.

P.S. During my growing up years, I heard these stories from my grandmother and mother.