The Raulane Festival is a solemn yet deeply spiritual celebration that honours celestial beings called ‘Sauni’ and bids them farewell as spring approaches.

The surreal costumes, the masked men, and the mystical winter ritual rooted in ancient folklore have become the internet’s latest fascination.

During the celebrations, two men are chosen to embody a symbolic spiritual couple: Raula (the groom) and Raulane (the bride).

They wear heavy woollen garments, thick gloves, and masks — every inch of skin is concealed. In this transformation, they become a link between villagers and the sauni.

Raulane, the “bride”, is dressed in traditional Kinnauri women’s clothes: a doru (shawl), a choli, and a pattu (a waist shawl).

She also wears a gachchi, a belt-like cloth wrapped around her waist. Her headgear is elaborate. It’s decorated with local flowers and colourful cotton seeds (Bakhri Kan).

The raula’s clothing is more restrained compared to the raulane, but still very traditional: woollen garments tailored to the cold. He covers his face with a red cloth or veil. He may carry a dagger (rakas), which is symbolic.

The festival can last several days. Together, they lead a quiet procession — during which people dance, chant and beat drums — through the village to the Nagin Narayan Temple, where they perform a slow, meditative dance.

This dance is more than performance — it’s a spiritual bridge between the human realm and the world of the sauni.

The legend

According to local folklore, these mountain fairies — or guardian spirits — descend from their high meadows during the harsh winter months to shield the villagers from danger.

As spring arrives, the spirits retreat to their mythical homes. This festival is the villagers’ way of saying “thank you” and bidding farewell before the sauni depart.

The most intriguing part of the festival — which has left netizens in a frenzy — is the total concealment of faces. Locals believe the anonymity aspect prevents human energy from disrupting the sacred ritual.

The mask acts as a boundary: participants shed their individual identities and become vessels — no longer ordinary villagers, but spiritual intermediaries.

The festival’s haunting beauty — shimmering silver jewelry, hidden identities and the stillness of the dance — have left many captivated.

It is not a tourist spectacle. There is no pomp and show. The ritual is intimate, handcrafted and deeply rooted in belief. For the villagers, participating is a sacred responsibility — a way to honour their spiritual lineage.

In a tribute to one of India’s distinguished military officers, the remarkable journey of Lt Col Kaman Singh, MVC, continues to inspire generations within the armed forces.

Born on 23 April, 1917, at Ladori village near Nurpur in Himachal Pradesh, Singh came from a proud Dogra Rajput lineage.

His father, Dafadar Vijay Singh Pathania, served in the 23rd Cavalry during the World War I, setting a strong martial tradition that young Kaman would carry forward.

Kaman Singh enlisted as a sowar in Hodson’s Horse in 1935, marking the beginning of a career defined by discipline and exceptional leadership.

His potential was quickly recognised, leading to advanced military education at Kitchener College, Nowgong, and later selection for the Indian Military Academy in July 1939 — alongside future Pakistani Army chief Tikka Khan.

Commissioned into the 5th Battalion of the Dogra Regiment in December 1940, Singh went on to serve with distinction across multiple battalions.

His gallantry during the Burma Campaign (1944–45) earned him a Mention-in-Despatches, acknowledging his courage under fire. Post-war, he continued serving under the South East Asia Command and later with 4th Dogra in the volatile North-West region.

The Commander who defined courage across fronts

Lt Col Kaman Singh’s leadership during the 1947–48 operations in Jammu and Kashmir and later in the Northeast remains a benchmark of courage, clarity of command and unwavering devotion to duty.

When war broke out in October 1947, Kaman Singh — then a young but seasoned officer — was transferred to the 3rd Battalion, Royal Garhwal Rifles, on January 16, 1948, as Second-in-Command. Barely a month later, at just 31 years of age, he took over command of the battalion in the volatile Uri Sector.

His moment of immortal bravery came on May 18, 1948, when his battalion was tasked to capture the strategically vital Trehgam Ridge. Singh led the assault personally, pushing through intense enemy resistance.

Under devastating enemy fire and dwindling ammunition, he continued the assault undeterred. In a dramatic turning point, with only one revolver bullet left, he spotted Pakistani commander Lt Col Qadar Khan and shot him dead.

The enemy lines broke, but reinforcements soon secured the position once again. Three fierce counter-attacks one after the other were repelled under his resolute command.

For his exemplary leadership, indomitable courage, and unshakable composure, Lt Col Kaman Singh was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award.

Post-war, Singh continued shaping future soldiers as Instructor Class A at Infantry School, Mhow. In 1950, as militancy surged in Nagaland, he was chosen at the age of 33 to command 6 Kumaon, where officers like future PVC awardee Shaitan Singh served under him. Tragically, on 15 July 1956, he collapsed and died during a visit to a high-altitude post — ending a brilliant career at just 39.

Lt Col Kaman Singh was married to Dayawanti (who passed away on September 21, 2020, at the age of 96) 64 years after the demise of her husband. The couple was blessed with three sons and one daughter named — Lt Col NS Pathania, Lt Col DS Pathania, Kamaljit Singh Pathania and Sarita Rana.

Lt Col Kaman Singh, MVC, remains etched in history as one of the Indian Army’s finest commanding officers — an officer who truly led from the front.

Damaged roads in Bir-Billing, one of the top paragliding sites of the world, need urgent repairs.

Though the monsoon season got over two months ago, the state Public Works department (PWD) has not repaired roads damaged due to heavy rains and flash floods. The condition of most of the roads is deplorable but the authorities concerned seem unconcerned.

The state government wants to make the Kangra valley the tourism capital of the state but it has failed to develop proper infrastructure like better roads, water supply, drainage system and garbage disposal facility in Bir-Billing, which attracts lakhs of tourists every year, most of whom come to enjoy paragliding.

Most of the basic amenities have eluded this major tourist spot over the years. Billing is also a favourite trekking spot for tourists coming to the Kangra valley. Hundreds of foreigners trek via Billing to the snow-covered mountains every season.

The state government had spent over Rs 10 crore provided by Asian Development Bank on the development and expansion of tourism in the Bir-Billing area in the run-up to the international paragliding world championship.

Unfortunately, the state Tourism Department has failed to construct washrooms at this tourist destination.

A Tribune team visited Bir-Billing and found roads full of potholes and garbage, mineral water bottles and plastic rappers littered all over the place. Besides, unplanned and haphazard construction activities in the area are also going on unchecked.

If no timely steps are initiated, this tourist place will lose its charm. The government had recently asked the Deputy Commissioners to identify new tourist spots in the state and offered to release funds for the purpose.

Members of the Bir Hotel Association Dinesh Pal, Satish Abrol and Balwant Rajput say that internal roads in the area are full of potholes and their edges have also eroded deeply, increasing the risk of accidents.

They urge the government to order immediate repair of roads and the concreting of stretches that are damaged during the rainy season every year.

They say that at present, the Tourism Department is merely filling potholes with soil and there is no permanent patchwork and proper strengthening of edges.

Expressing concern over the growing menace of drug abuse, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today called for united efforts to eradicate it through strong community participation. Shukla today inaugurated the four-day International Lavi fair at Rampur Bushahr in Shimla district.

“We must stand together against forces spreading addiction like chitta which is destroying families. While the police had been taking strong action against those involved in illegal drug trade, community participation was essential to completely root out this social evil,” he emphasised.

Addressing the gathering on this occasion, the Governor said the Lavi fair holds immense cultural and trade significance and stands as a living symbol of the state’s glorious traditions. “This historic event, deeply rooted in our heritage, is not only a celebration of trade but also a vibrant festival that unites tradition, community and cultural exchange,” said the Governor.

Recalling the contributions of former Chief Minister late Virbhadra Singh, the Governor said that it was under his leadership that the fair received international status. “Earlier, the Lavi fair was organised through mutual understanding among traders and local communities but today it represents the collective spirit and unity of the people,” he added.

Shukla lauded the organisers for showcasing Himachal’s rich cultural heritage through performances by artists from various districts. “Such festivals provide a platform for promoting traditional arts, music and crafts, thereby keeping alive the customs and values that bind families and communities together,” he said.

The Governor also underscored the importance of environmental conservation, stating, “If we protect the environment, Himachal itself will remain secure and prosperous.” He said that the display of local crafts, woollen products and dry fruits not only highlights Himachal’s cultural wealth but also provides artisans and farmers valuable opportunities to market their products.

He also inaugurated the exhibitions put up by various government departments and organisations and showed keen interest in their initiatives and welfare schemes.

Chairman, State Finance Commission and local MLA Nand Lal said Lavi fair had historical and commercial importance and was especially famous for its trade in woollens. He expressed happiness that sports activities were now being integrated into the fair, enhancing its appeal among the youth.

Deputy Commissioner-cum-Chairman of the International Lavi Fair Organising Committee Anupam Kashyap honoured the Governor and briefed him about the activities and events being held during the fair.

The folk artists from different regions of the state presented colourful cultural performances showcasing the State’s rich traditions and festive spirit.

Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Zila Parishad chairperson Chandraprabha Negi, Nagar Parishad chairperson Muskan Negi, Secretary to the Governor CP Verma and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.

The 176th martyrdom day of freedom fighter Wazir Ram Singh Pathania, who hailed from Nurpur, was observed as Veer Diwas at his birthplace Bassa Waziran near here on Tuesday.

Pathania is hailed as one of the first freedom fighters of the nation, who launched an armed struggle against the British rule in 1846.

He attained martyrdom at the age of 24 in Rangoon jail in 1849. The memorial committee constituted by the martyr’s kin has been observing his martyrdom day as Veer Diwas every year.

Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania presided over the Veer Diwas function and paid floral tributes to the martyr’s safety armour.

The Speaker exhorted the youth to follow in the footsteps of Ram Singh Pathania and not to fall prey to drug addiction. He said the martyr’s armed revolution against the British regime (1846-49) had laid the path to India’s freedom movement.

Pathania said the martyr was not only the identity of any particular dynasty or region but the immortal heritage of the entire nation. He said even before the first war of independence in 1857, Wazir Pathania sounded the trumpet of struggle against the British rule in 1846.

The Speaker said the state government would make concrete efforts to declare Wazir Ram Singh Pathania as the first freedom fighter.

He said from next year, the Veer Diwas programme would be organised by the government. Efforts would also be made to initiate efforts to convey the martyr’s inspiring story of bravery and patriotism to the new generation.

Assembly Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, Fatehpur’s MLA Bhawani Pathania, Nurpur legislator Ranbir Nikka and former minister Rakesh Pathania also paid homage to Ram Singh Pathania on the occasion.

In the wake of the recent explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi, the Himachal Pradesh Police has been placed on high alert and security has been intensified across the state.

The Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tewari has issued directions to all the Superintendents of Police (SPs) to remain vigilant, especially in border districts and other sensitive areas.

The DGP has also directed the SPs to maintain surveillance over suspicious vehicles, abandoned objects and unusual movements, and to ensure close coordination with local agencies and sister departments.

Along with this, the police have also issued a public advisory urging citizens to remain alert and not panic.

The DGP said there was no need to panic, but stressed that public cooperation was essential for maintaining peace and security.

People have been advised to immediately report any suspicious object, unattended bag or vehicle to the nearest police station or by dialling the emergency number 112.

The police have also appealed to the people to refrain from sharing rumours or unverified information on social media and messaging platforms. Further, people have been requested to remain cautious in crowded areas and cooperate fully with security checks.

“The state police have strengthened surveillance and security arrangements across all districts, especially in border and sensitive areas. People’s alertness and timely information are crucial for overall security,” said the DGP.

In a major step towards rebuilding lives shattered by natural disasters in Mandi, Kullu and Bilaspur districts, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today distributed Rs 81.28 crore financial assistance to 4,914 beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) during a function held at Paddal Ground, Mandi.

The relief package aims to support families whose homes were completely or partially damaged during the recent natural calamities.

Out of the total beneficiaries, 1,513 families, whose houses were completely destroyed, received the first instalment of Rs 4 lakh each out of the total compensation of Rs 7 lakh.

These include 781 beneficiaries from Mandi district, 631 from Kullu district and 101 from Bilaspur district. As many as 3,401 families with partially damaged homes were granted Rs 1 lakh each with 1,547 from Mandi, 1,541 from Kullu and 313 from Bilaspur.

So far, the state government has disbursed Rs 14.46 crore to 4,375 affected families in Mandi alone. The government is implementing 27 disaster mitigation projects worth Rs 72 crore in the district.

Five more projects valued at Rs 18.84 crore have been approved by the State Executive Committee. Proposals for seven additional projects are currently under preparation.

The CM launched the ‘Madhu Mandav’ initiative in Mandi district, designed to promote beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood option for families in disaster-affected regions. Under this program, financial support, training and infrastructure will be provided to beneficiaries to establish beekeeping units.

The honey produced will be marketed under the brand name Him-Era Mandav, providing rural communities with a steady income.

The CM presented a cheque for Rs 7.95 lakh to Nikita, a young girl who lost her parents in the devastating floods at Panglyur in the Seraj Assembly constituency.

He further announced an additional Rs 21 lakh in assistance for her, assuring that the government stands firmly with children who have lost their families. “Daughters like Nikita are not alone; the state government is their guardian,” the CM said.

Addressing a large gathering, Sukhu announced that financial assistance for families, who lost their belongings in natural disasters, would be increased from Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 1 lakh. Emphasising his government’s commitment to a self-reliant Himachal, he said, “Atmanirbhar Himachal is not a political slogan but a vision and passion.

Despite limited resources, our government is determined to make the state self-sufficient.”

Highlighting his government’s welfare efforts, he said Himachal Pradesh has adopted 6,000 orphaned children as “Children of the state” and is providing financial support for the higher education of widows’ children.

Earlier, the CM inaugurated the newly constructed building of government college, Panarsa in Mandi, constructed at a cost of Rs. 13.14 crore.

He announced that B.Voc and BCA classes would be started on a self-financing basis at the Panarsa college from the next session, so that students could receive employment-oriented education.

The Indian women’s cricket team has set a benchmark with the World Cup triumph and the next goal for the side is to make winning a habit, said pacer Renuka Thakur after returning to her native village in Shimla district on Sunday.

Renuka, who was given a rousing welcome by her family members and villagers, visited the famous Hatkoti Temple near Rohru and sought blessings.

Interacting with the mediapersons, she said that “my hard work is yielding results but the credit goes to my mother and Bhupinder uncle who spotted my talent and supported me”.

Renuka has inscribed a tattoo of her father on her hand which acts as motivation as it was the dream of her father Kehar Singh Thakur to see his kids excel in sports. Her father died when she was just three and it was her mother Sunita Thakur who raised Renuka and her brother single handedly.

“There was a lot of pressure as we had lost three matches back-to-back and the last three matches were crucial but we were hopeful of winning the world cup,” she said and added that victory in the ICC event would push parents to encourage their children towards sports.

When asked about the interaction with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Renuka said that the he knew about all the players including her journey.

The cricketer said that Himachal was the first state to assure a job. On November 3, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had called Renuka and told her that an award of Rs 1 crore had been announced for the pacer.

Renuka’s uncle, Bhupinder Singh Thakur, who spotted the talent in the young girl and supported her said that her success is the result of 13-14 years of sheer hard work.

He also expressed his gratitude to Renuka’s coach at Dharamsala cricket academy Pawan Sen and her trainer Veena Pandey.

A sensational and tangled case has surfaced from the Doon region, revealing a complex web of allegations surrounding an alleged forced inter-caste marriage.

A young woman has accused the village head of her panchayat of detaining her for two days and pressuring her into marrying a man against her will.

According to the complaint, she was promised Rs 2 lakh under the government’s inter-caste marriage incentive scheme and a house worth Rs 7 lakh for the young man if she agreed to the marriage.

The woman lodged a written complaint with the Baddi police station, prompting a fresh round of investigations.

The police, however, clarified through an official press release that multiple complaints from both sides have complicated the matter.

The case initially began on November 4, when a woman from Kanjyara village in Kasauli complained to the Baddi Superintendent of Police alleging that she was in a live-in relationship and was being threatened by her family.

Acting on this, the police registered a case against her parents under Sections 126 and 169 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

That very night, the police also received a distress call on helpline 112, reporting that the girl’s parents and several others were trying to take her away by force.

The situation escalated the following day, November 5, when the youth’s mother, residing in Vasni under Barotiwala police station, filed a counter-complaint alleging that the girl’s parents and associates had stormed their house, abused, assaulted and threatened them with dire consequences. Another case was subsequently registered at Barotiwala police station.

The plot thickened on November 7, when the girl’s parents submitted a fresh complaint to the Baddi SP, accusing the village head and others of detaining their daughter for two days and coercing her into an inter-caste marriage.

A zero FIR was registered at Barotiwala police station and later transferred to Nalagarh for probe.

BJP MLA from Churah Assembly constituency in Chamba district, Hans Raj, has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, following a complaint lodged by a woman at the Women’s Police Station, Chamba.

Last week, the woman went live on Facebook, leveling serious allegations of sexual exploitation and intimidation against the MLA and his aides, claiming to possess supporting evidence.

On Friday, she formally lodged a complaint at the Women’s Police Station, following which a case was registered under Section 6 of the POCSO Act and Section 69 (sexual intercourse by employing deceitful means) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

According to police sources, the victim alleged that Hans Raj had been sexually exploiting her since she was 16 years old.

The development comes shortly after another FIR was registered at Tissa Police Station on Thursday, in which the victim’s father accused the MLA’s close aides, Lekh Raj and Muniyan Khan, of abduction and intimidation.

After registering the case, police recorded the victim’s statement before a magistrate and conducted her medical examination at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital in Chamba.

Chamba Additional Superintendent of Police Hitesh Lakhanpal confirmed the developments and said that the victim has been provided security, as she had expressed fear for her life and the safety of her family.

Notably on August 9 last year, the same woman had lodged a complaint against Hans Raj, accusing him of sending obscene messages and issuing threats. She later withdrew the allegations, stating that she had acted under mental stress and external influence at the time.

In her recent live session, the woman claimed that she was forced to withdraw the previous complaint after being threatened by the MLA and his aides.

Responding to the renewed allegations, Hans Raj described them as a politically motivated conspiracy aimed at maligning his image and disrupting communal harmony in the Churah Assembly constituency.

The two passenger buses belonging to Himachal Road Transport Corporation and Chandigarh Transport Undertaking were set on fire last night by unidentified persons at Baijnath, 20 kms from Palampur. Both the buses were parked on the Pathankot- Mandi National Highway. The incident occurred at around 1 am.

The conductors and driver of the buses said they were sleeping in a nearby restroom. Both the buses had arrived at 8  pm and were scheduled to depart for Chandigarh and Shimla at 6 am. The residents living near the highway noticed smoke coming out of the buses. They called the local fire fighting vehicles, which reached the spot within minutes. However, by that time fire fighting vehicles reached there, both the buses were totally destroyed in the fire.

The local resident reported that assailants set tyres on fire and then the fire spread inside the vehicles, causing extensive damage estimated at 40 lakh to each bus. Earlier, some youths and drivers aided by locals tried to extinguish the flames until a fire engine arrived.

Four days ago, a car was set on fire at the same place by some miscreants.

Police have questioned a few locals who were spotted near the buses. A police officer at Baijnath said that a case of damage to public property had been registered at Baijnath police station. However, no arrests have been made so far. Police are also collecting CCTV footage from nearby shops. He said those responsible will be arrested soon.

In the fake investment app scam, the Cyber Crime Police of Dharamsala have arrested two fraudsters from Kota in Rajasthan for allegedly defrauding a Una resident of Rs 59.74 lakh through a fake online investment app.

The alleged fraudsters have been identified as Vishnu Rawal (28), of Dargah Marg, Qureshi Mohalla, Khairabad, and Abhishek Panchal (36), of Sarvodaya Vihar Colony, Morak Aditya Nagar, both residents of Kota district, Rajasthan.

The duo was brought to Dharamsala on a transit remand and produced in a local court, which sent them to three days of police custody for further investigation.

According to the cyber police, a criminal case was registered on August 17, 2024, after a resident of Una district complained of being lured into downloading a fake investment app that promised high returns.

The victim made 14–15 transactions, transferring a total of Rs 59.74 lakh, as the fraudsters allegedly showed fabricated profits on the app and kept urging him to invest more.

The victim, employed in the private sector, reportedly took loans of Rs 20–22 lakh from banks and borrowed additional funds from relatives and friends to continue investing, hoping to recover his money with profits.

The ASP of Cyber Crime Police, Praveen Dhiman, confirmed the arrests and said that police officers were examining the accused’s possible involvement in other online investment frauds. Notices have also been issued to several other suspects linked to similar cases, he added.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday directed the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) to expedite the execution of under construction hydroelectric power projects.

The Chief Minister also directed the HPPCL to set December 2026 as the completion date for the 450 MW Shong Tong hydel project.

“More than 60 per cent of the project has already been completed and the remaining work must be expedited. The transmission line be established in parallel to ensure timely evacuation of the power from this project,” he said.

Sukhu also discussed the progress of 130 MW Kashang-II and III, 48 MW Chanju-III, 40 MW Renuka Dam and 191 MW Thana Plaun hydroelectric power projects and instructed that the timelines for the completion be strictly adhered to.

The CM stressed on setting up pump storage projects and asked the HPPCL to initiate the work on the proposed 1630 MW Renukaji pump storage project and 270 MW Thana Plaun pump storage project at the earliest. Pump storage projects are useful in supplying electricity during peak hour demand and reducing the load on the grid, he added.

Sukhu said harnessing green energy remained a key priority for the state government and the HPPCL should expedite the work of ongoing solar power projects. He also instructed the corporation to identify new land parcels for setting up solar power projects.

The CM reviewed a green hydrogen plant coming up at Nalagarh and directed its completion by the end of June, 2026.

He directed the corporation to adopt professionalism in their functioning and said that the present state government had set the target of making Himachal Pradesh a Green Energy of the country by the next year.

Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Secretary Power Rakesh Kanwar, Managing Director HPPCL Abid Hussain Sadiq and other senior officers were also present.