KINNAUR

At village Kilbar also in tahsil Sangla the local deity is Kilbala after whom the village is named. There is another deity Narenas on an arch with twenty masks, of various metals including one in gold. Villagers in every household have to contribute a quantity of grain to the deity and this levy is known a Kutange. Worship is offered twice daily. There is a devotee who acts as the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is to speak on behalf of the deity whenever he is supposed to be seized by the supernatural spirit or invoked by the people or even otherwise.

When he is in a frenzied stage, he narrates what is called a Chironing, brieflyexplaining the emergence and exploits of the deity on behalf of whom he speaks and then gives the decree. Now this Chironing or recital about the deity is almost a sanctified institution in this part. But for various reasons mouthpieces and Chironings are declining, as fresh recruits are not easily available.

Near Kalpa, the District Headquarters, is a village Kothi overshadowed by the peak of Kinnaur Kailash mountain. It has art attractive temple dedicated to thegoddess Chandika, more popular as Shuwang Chandika, after the name of the pargana Shuwa. There is an image of gold erected in an arch and four persons dance up and down this deity at the time of worship. The villagers evolve this peculiar procedure of worship. There is no Brahmin Priest. Peculiarly enough nearby there is an ancient temple of Bhairon decaying in neglect.

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