Toshim

Toshim...

Yet again, it's that time of the year when young professionals and students get together to celebrate their unity and traditions. It holds a different meaning for different people. For some, it's just another excuse to party, for others it's an opportunity to meet old friends and relatives. For some, it's time to make amends in a relationship gone sour, but for me, it's the sheer bliss of seeing so many people from my place at the same time! It's heartening to see them doing so well in life and taking the time out to catch up, in spite of their busy schedules. The entire concept made me quite curious about its origin, so, I did a little research and this is what I discovered.

Rough terrain and isolation, led to fairs and festivals being the major means of amusement for the people of Kinnaur. During the cold winters, they narrated folk tales about gods and evil spirits.

One of such social gatherings was Toshing ('sit together'). It is organized throughout Kinnaur at different times of the year and for varying durations. It is traditionally organized by unmarried girls. A group of girls called 'Toshing Konich' is formed. A head called 'Gomeng' is chosen from amongst the group, and the date and location of the Toshing is decided. The biggest house is selected as the venue and while no rent is paid, the Konich provide help and food to the owners instead. These girls then start the preparation for the Toshing by collecting shadung (beer) and phasun (alcohol).

On the day of the Toshing, once the house is cleaned and the food is prepared, the girls go out and invite their boy-partners, who are called 'Toshing-Koniyan'.The celebration then starts. They eat, sing and dance. The singing is done by both males and females; however the instruments like dhol etc
are played by boys only.

With changing times, more and more youngsters are moving out of Kinnaur. Kinnauras have spread to every corner of the country and are living a fast-paced life. This get together provides a platform for us to reassure that we are one, in spite of not being within the confines of our region. That, even though we are exposed to various cultures, we have not forgotten our identity. It is now upto us to keep our traditions alive and pass the baton onto the next generation.