Shimla, January 29:
Amid changing times and modern lifestyles, the centuries-old tradition of Buara Pratha continues to survive in the Keonthal region, standing as a living example of cooperation and collective responsibility in rural Himachal Pradesh. Buara refers to the age-old practice of villagers coming together to help one another with agricultural and household tasks, especially during peak farming seasons.
These days, following the monsoon rains, farmers are busy transporting dung to their fields and carrying out other agricultural activities. In many villages, especially among the youth, the tradition of Buara is still actively practiced. Young villagers voluntarily come together to assist in dung collection and fieldwork, reflecting a strong spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility.
Elders recall that Buara laid the foundation for the cooperative movement in Panjawar village of Una district, which later inspired similar initiatives across the country. The tradition highlights the deep-rooted culture of mutual assistance that has existed in rural India since ancient times. Just as villagers collectively participate in social and religious events, they also unite when someone needs help with personal or agricultural work.
Senior citizens Dayaram Verma, Daulat Ram Mehta, and Jabar Singh Thakur shared that while the practice of Buara has declined due to materialism and modern influences, it has not disappeared entirely. Even today, Buara is carried out for activities such as carrying dung, cutting grass, and weeding maize fields. Participation is mandatory, with at least one member from each household taking part.
They further explained that collective village work is also referred to as “Halla,” where cooperation goes hand in hand with joy. During Buara or Halla, villagers exchange humor, satire, and folk expressions in the Pahari language, turning hard work into a lively and enjoyable experience. In earlier times, this served as a natural source of entertainment and strengthened social bonds.
Traditionally, in the household where Buara is organized, Pahari dishes are prepared in the evening, and all participants—along with children—sit together to share the meal. This practice nurtures feelings of love, goodwill, and mutual respect among villagers.
More than just a farming practice, Buara Pratha symbolizes social harmony, collective responsibility, and cultural unity. By fostering cooperation and togetherness, it not only strengthens village life but also reinforces the broader values of unity and integrity that form the backbone of the nation.
