BILASPUR

It may be observed here that the presence of a large percentage of high caste Hindus, Brahmins and Rajputs have deepened the sense of religiosity. There are two main branches of the Brahmins, the Shuklas and the Krishans. The Sasani Shukla Brahmins are more exclusive and orthodox and form the priestly class. They mostly hold land free of revenue and they do not intermarry with any of the other Brahmins.

The priestly Brahmins refrain from the actual ploughing of the lands. Though not Sanskritists some of them know the appropriate Sanskrit mantras for the Pujas. The Rajputs are a martial section and opt for the Army or the Police. They have an aristocracy of their own and ascribe their lineage always to some Raja. Some Rajputs do not touch the plough but the Kanait Rajputs who predominate in number do.

The continuous rule of the Chandravanshi Princes had sustained the temples, religious fairs and the pilgrim centres. The puja-bidhis are more shastrik(conventional) and follow the traditional techniques unlike the mixed ways of puja in Kinnaur districts where Brahmin priests are rare.Devotional dances and Kirtans with the accompani- ment of music are common. Ras dance parties from within and outside the district regale the religious congregations with episodes of Krishna and Radha along with gopinis.

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