Uttarakhand women enjoy ‘khushi ka ek din’
Festivals being held across Kumaon region are helping 'pahadi' women to let their hair down and revel in simple joys, even though only for a day in a year.
Happiness swept Kyari village of mountainous Uttarakhand some months ago as some 300 rural women congregated to participate in ‘Khushi ka Ek Din’ – a festival offering them a rare opportunity to break free from the constraints of daily life and revel in simple joys.
Away from the humdrum of household chores, they were greeted with a vibrant atmosphere at the local government school’s open space. Bhawna Joshi, a 35-year-old from Chilkiyan village, encapsulated the sentiments of many when she expressed: “For years, we have been confined to our homes, playing a dutiful wife, a daughter-in-law, and a mother. There hasn’t been a single moment that was just ours. Today, we get to be our unapologetic selves. We get to go out without the baggage of fulfilling our duties.”
Organised by Udhyam, a non-governmental organisation, the day-long festivities of ‘Khushi ka Ek Din’ held at Kyari were part of a series of festivities being held annually across the region to rejuvenate the spirit and nourish the soul.
As elsewhere, a makeshift movie theatre screened a popular movie at the venue in Kyari while a pop-up beauty salon gave indulgent skin and haircare services. Tantalising food counters offered delicious food. Participants could also consult medics at a clinic set up there. There were dance and cultural performances, inspirational and educational talks, and interesting games. Overall, the daylong event offered a respite from the daily grind.
Many village women had not visited their parents for over two decades, while others remained confined to the familiarity of home-cooked meals, never venturing beyond. Some had never experienced the allure of cinema on a big screen, their lives woven tightly within the fabric of their secluded existence.
“I never watched a movie in the theatre. This is my first. And this is even more special because I enjoyed it with my friends,” said Bharati Rawat, a 42-year-old woman from a nearby village.
Also Read: Celebrating rural women – with no bias
A distinctive aspect of ‘Khushi ka Ek Din’ is its exclusivity – men and children are not permitted, allowing the women to revel in uninterrupted camaraderie and relaxation. Several women came with their mothers-in-law, handing the domestic duties to their husbands.
The day witnessed special games and gifts for the “saas-bahu” duos, fostering bonds and solidarity among family members.
“We’re relieved our children and husbands aren’t here. Otherwise, we’d be tending to them and likely taking care of the babies. It’s nice to have this break,” said 36-year-old Rekha Joshi.
Shobha, a 50-year-old entrepreneur, seized the opportunity to showcase her homemade pickles, underscoring the event’s role in promoting rural women’s entrepreneurship. “I wish more such festivals were organised,” she said.
The genesis of “Khushi ka Ek Din” stemmed from a deep-rooted understanding of the challenges faced by women in the mountains. Women bear the weight of their families, both figuratively and literally. They trek through rugged terrain, hauling heavy loads of fuelwood and fodder, confronting water scarcity and resource limitations at every turn. They also contend with the entrenched patriarchy that pervades mountain life, offering them little respite.
Yet, what sustains them through moments of despair, when the weight of the world seems too heavy to bear? These questions linger, shrouded in the mist of melancholy that cloaks the valleys, where the indomitable spirit of mountain women continues to endure.
Also Read: Bhagoriya festival – Of blooming flowers and blossoming love
“Women are the backbone of the hills. We sat with hundreds of women to find out what gives them happiness,” said Anjali Nabiyal from Udhyam. “They want to do what men do. “The idea and objective are simple. It is a happiness programme for pahadi women,” she asserted.
The overwhelming response to the festival underscores the profound impact it has had on rural women’s lives. From the pilot event in 2020 to the recent series of celebrations, “Khushi ka Ek Din” has become a beacon of hope and joy for thousands across Uttarakhand.
From October 2023 to January 2024, the remarkable ‘Khushi ka Ek Din’ series organised 15 festivals across five districts of Kumaon, drawing participation of more than 5,000 women from some of the remotest villages. The culminating programme is scheduled for February 17.
“We observed that the more remote a village is, the stronger the response from women. This highlights the extent of deprivation faced by these women, even in accessing simple activities,” Nabiyal said.
However, organising such events comes with its share of challenges, from logistical intricacies to garnering support and understanding from stakeholders. From securing suitable venues to accommodating 300 women, meticulous planning and robust support systems are essential.
Also Read: How written words got her family a new house in Uttarakhand
“We were almost organising one event a week. It was quite demanding. While we plan to continue hosting such events, perhaps not at this frequency,” Nabiyal said.
Each event incurs a cost of Rs 2 lakh, which is funded through donations and support from partner organisations and people.
“The concept is simple and has no ulterior motives. We simply aim to bring joy to rural women. Unfortunately, this isn’t always understood by everyone,” Nabiyal said.
Yet, the tireless efforts of organisers like Nabiyal continue to fuel the movement towards women’s empowerment and happiness. As 49-year-old Rekha Kandpal from Kyari village aptly said: “Kabhi kabhi auratein bhi khul ke jee lein” (Sometimes women should also get a chance to live freely), without having to justify why they deserve this happiness.”
The lead image at the top shows the happy faces at the event. (Photo by Shreya Pareek)
Shreya Pareek is a is a Village Square Fellow ’23. She works as a solution journalist in Uttarakhand.
