Deep in the high mountains of Himachal Pradesh lies Kinnaur, a district known for its sharp winds, deep silence and ancient culture. When winter arrives, the landscape turns white and wild. The cold becomes a living force, and the silence sits on the villages like a blanket.
Locals say this silence is not empty. It is watched over by celestial fairies known as the Saunis.
The belief in Saunis
According to local stories, the Saunis come down from the sky meadows during the harsh winter months. They walk the frozen paths of Kinnaur, protect the people, watch over cattle and guide the village through the cold season.
When the winter begins to loosen its grip, the villagers honour these fairies through a unique festival called Raulane.
The Heart of Raulane
A symbolic marriage
Raulane begins with an unusual announcement:
“Two men will be married.”
This is not a real marriage. It is symbolic.
One man becomes Raula, the “groom,” and the other becomes Raulane, the “bride.”
Both characters act as living vessels for the Sauni spirits.
The hidden faces
During the festival, the Raula and Raulane cover their entire bodies with thick Kinnauri woollens. These woollens are not decorative. They are the same heavy fabrics used to push back the winter frost.
Faces remain hidden behind cloth masks. Hands disappear into gloves.
Because of this full covering, the two figures look half-human and half-spirit. Villagers believe that once the masks go on, the humans step aside and the fairies take over.
Jewellery and costumes with meaning
The Raulane wears layers of wool, silver jewellery, colourful ribbons and a tall decorated headgear.
The Raula often carries a small dagger, a sign of strength and protection.
Nothing is random. Every piece carries a local meaning, a memory of ancestors and a link to the old ways.
The Procession to Nagin Narayan Temple
A slow walk that becomes sacred
Once dressed, the Raula and Raulane walk slowly through the snow-lined paths of the village. People gather around. Drums beat softly. Children watch in silence.
The pair leads the way to the ancient Nagin Narayan Temple, a place of great importance in Kinnaur.
The dance that connects two worlds
When they reach the temple, a slow and quiet dance begins.
There are no fast steps, no loud music, no dramatic movements.
The dance is meant to be calm and controlled, like breathing during winter.
Locals believe this dance opens a channel between the human world and the world of the Saunis. It is a moment when heaven feels closer to earth.
Why Raulane Still Matters
A festival not for tourists
One of the most special things about Raulane is that it is not performed for visitors or cameras.
It is carried out for:
- ancestors
- cattle
- crops
- families
- the community
The festival is a prayer for warmth, safety and abundance.
A land with an ancient heartbeat
Kinnaur is considered one of the world’s oldest continuous civilisations. People here have lived through avalanches, long winters, migrations and mountain changes.
Raulane shows how they keep their bond with nature alive. It is a reminder that life in the mountains is shaped by belief, landscape and courage.
Simple, strong and pure
In an age of lights, plastic decor and sound systems, Raulane stands out.
There are:
- no artificial decorations
- no stage lights
- no commercial banners
There is only wool, snow, music, silence and faith.
