A Century-Old ‘Curse’: Himachal Pradesh Village Remains in Darkness on Diwali; Residents Fear Death if They Celebrate the Festival
While the entire country celebrates Diwali with lights, fireworks and festivities, a village in Himachal Pradesh presents a strikingly different picture. Even on the festival of lights, the village remains largely dark and silent, as residents refrain from celebrating Diwali due to a century-old belief that anyone who defies the tradition could face death.
The village, known as Sammoo, is located around 25 kilometres from Hamirpur town in Himachal Pradesh. According to residents, Diwali has not been celebrated in the village for more than a hundred years because of a curse believed to have been passed down through generations.
Villagers say they have heard stories of the curse from their ancestors and believe that anyone who breaks the tradition and celebrates Diwali could invite misfortune or even death.
According to one of the village residents, the tradition has continued for generations, with no one daring to celebrate the festival. The belief is associated with a tragic story involving a young married woman from the village.
As per local folklore, the woman performed sati by immolating herself on her husband’s funeral pyre after his death. Before sacrificing her life, she is believed to have cursed the village, declaring that no one would be able to celebrate Diwali.
Another resident recalled that an attempt had once been made to break the tradition and celebrate the festival. However, villagers believe that misfortune struck the village soon afterwards. Since then, no one has dared to challenge the long-standing custom.
Because of this belief, residents do not prepare any special festive dishes on Diwali. Bursting firecrackers and organising celebrations are also avoided. However, as part of their limited observance, small lamps are lit inside homes in the evening.
Even the younger generation has not dared to break the tradition that has continued for more than a century. On Diwali, some villagers visit neighbouring villages to witness the celebrations and enjoy the festive atmosphere, but they refrain from celebrating the festival in their own village.
Thus, while the rest of the country lights up in celebration of Diwali, Sammoo village in Himachal Pradesh continues to remain shrouded in darkness, holding on to a centuries-old local belief and tradition.
