Himachal Pradesh villagers observe self-imposed silence

Goshal (Himachal Pradesh), Feb 18 (ANI): People in Goshal village of Himachal Pradesh observe self-imposed silence for approximately forty-five days in memory of their local deity, Maharishi Gautam, who meditates during this time.

The village, which is named after Rishi Gautam, is located four kilometres from Manali.

It is believed that Rishi Gautam had his cowshed at Goshal village.

Mehar Chand, a resident, told reporters about the importance of the traditional ritual of remaining silent.

"After Makar Sankranti, Maharshi Gautam meditates. During this time, people do not watch television nor listen to radio and observe silence in nearly 11 villages. We dig the soil and when the sage returns after one and a half months of meditation, people sift through the soil and examine the various particles, which he gets to see and then he tells the world about them," said Chand on Friday.

Sage Gautam, the composer of various hymns, is considered the main deity many villages of the state. The other prominent sages given similar respect are sage are Vyas (author of Hindu epic Mahabharata) and Kanchan Naag (a Hindu deity).

Conventionally, the doors of the temple remain closed from Makar Sankranti till February 25 every year. On the last day, mud is applied to idols of Rishi Gautam, Rishi Vyas and Kanchan Naag.

Temple doors reopen on February 26. (ANI)