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Another
sacred structure Kankani is peculiar -to this area The District Gazetteer of Kinnaur,
1971, mentions :-
"At Sangnam there are three cylinders kept
constantly in m0tiOR through water, on the same- principle as the wheels of a water-miff.
At Nesang several such cylinders are rotated by the wind. These are used for the purposes
of devotion, and a person -while passing by generally gives it a twirl, whispering OM MANE
PADME Hum. Kankani resembles what may be called an arch or a gate erected on a
common path in a village and is decorated with paintings. It is built on two side walls
topped by a cupola.
Below the cupola, in the ceiling, arc elegantly
painted numerous figures of Buddhist deities. The idea behind erecting. A Kankani seems to
-be that anyone passing underneath it should feel the omnipresence of Lord Buddha. One who
causes to build a Kankani cherishes the hope that the passer by being reminded of Lord
Buddha 'Will acquire- pun (a good-will) in which the builder will automatically get a
share. 'A believer in Buddhism while passing under a Kanka takes off his headgear, in
token of veneration to the Lord."*
Coming to - the festivals the Gazetteer of the
District mentions 360 of them and almost all of them are associated with some phase of
Hinduism or Buddhism, or one of the minor Gods- Some of them are local for one, two or
more villages but some are observed throughout Kinnaur. An example is Raskayang in the
month of Jyaistha (May-June) Buddha Purnima in May-June is also observed almost throughout
the district. Almost every Amawas is a sacred day. Holi is a day of festivity throughout
the district.
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