There is a tradition of celebrating Egas Bagwal in the mountains precisely 11 days after Deepawali. The festivities of the festival of light, Deepawali, reach their climax on this day. Hence, this series of festivals was named Egas-Bagwal. On this occasion, cultural programs are organized by various organizations.
According to mythological beliefs, people welcomed Shri Ram by lighting lamps on Kartik Krishna Amavasya on his return from exile to Ayodhya. However, the information of Rama’s return to the Garhwal region was received on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi eleven days after Diwali.
There is a tradition of playing Bhailo instead of fireworks on the day of Egas-Bagwal mela. Especially on the day of BadiBagwal, it is the main center of attraction. It is said that the tradition of playing Bhailo on the day of Bagwal is centuries old in the mountains. Bhailo is made from pine wood and wire or rope.
Small knots of pine wood are tied in the rope. After this, people reach the peak of the village and set fire to the Bhailo. The players dance by holding the rope and carefully swinging it over their heads. This is called playing Bhailo. It is a widespread belief that doing this pleases Goddess Lakshmi, and she removes everyone’s troubles and gives happiness and prosperity. There is also a tradition of singing some songs, sarcasm, and jokes while playing Bhailo.
That is why the villagers, expressing happiness, celebrate the festival of Deepawali on Ekadashi. According to another belief, at the time of Diwali, the army of Garhwal, under the leadership of Veer Madho Singh Bhandari of Garhwal, had won the battle of Dapaghat, Tibet. The Garhwal army reached its home on the eleventh day of Diwali. Diwali was celebrated at that time in the joy of winning the war and the soldiers reaching home.
It is said that on Haribodhni Ekadashi, i.e., the festival of Egas, Shri Hari awakens from his sleep. There is a law to worship Vishnu on this day. In Uttarakhand, the festival of Deepak starts from Kartik Krishna Trayodashi, which lasts till Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, i.e., Haribodhani Ekadashi. The deities worship Lord Vishnu on this occasion. For this reason, it is called Devuthani Ekadashi or Egas-Bagwal.