Bhumiyal Devta – The Guardian Deities of Uttarakhand Villages

Who is Bhumiyal Devta?

In almost every village of Uttarakhand, there is a small temple or a sacred platform called than. This is where Bhumiyal Devta is worshipped. Villagers believe that Bhumiyal is always watching over them. He protects the crops from wild animals, saves the village from natural calamities, and keeps diseases away. In many regions he is also called Bhumsen.

Bhumiyal Devta is considered very kind. Unlike some other fierce deities, he does not trouble anyone. Instead, his main role is to guard the boundaries of the village and maintain harmony among the people. That is why he is often called the protector of the land and the village.

Worship and Traditions

The worship of Bhumiyal Devta is deeply rooted in the agricultural life of the people. Before sowing seeds, villagers first offer prayers at the than. When the crop grows, the first part of the harvest is offered to the deity in the form of grains, fruits, flowers and roti. It is believed that without his blessing the crops cannot flourish.

During important occasions like marriages, new house construction, or community gatherings, villagers first seek the blessing of Bhumiyal Devta. In many villages animal sacrifice, especially of goats, is still offered to please him. The traditional rituals like jagar, jhoda, and village fairs are also dedicated to these guardian deities.

Ramman Festival of Saloor-Dungra

One of the most vibrant celebrations dedicated to Bhumiyal Devta is the Ramman Festival, held in the twin villages of Saloor and Dungra in Chamoli district. This unique ritual theatre takes place every year, usually 9 to 11 days after Baisakhi, when the temple courtyard becomes alive with masked dances, songs, rituals, and legends.

The festival begins when Bhumiyal Devta is carried in a procession on Baisakhi day. Villagers offer hariyali—sprouted barley—symbolising hope and prosperity. For the next ten or more days, masked performances bring episodes from the Ramayana to life. The festival begins with dances honouring Ganesha and Parvati, followed by the Sun God dance. Later, it weaves through stories of Rama, Sita, Hanuman, rural life, humorous village scenes, and even historical battles. Every night, the local epic is sung in rhythm with drums and folk music. The entire festival is dedicated to Bhumiyal Devta, and each day he is taken on a round of the village, reinforcing his connection with the land and its people.

The whole event is managed by villagers themselves. Brahmin priests perform the rituals, while different communities contribute their part through dance, music, logistics, and funding. One family is chosen to host the deity for the year—keeping a designated sacred space and following strict daily routines.

The Ramman Festival is not just an event—it is living heritage. It brings together theatre, devotion, history, and community in a way that no other festival does. UNESCO recognised its cultural value by listing it among the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. Yet, this tradition remains rooted in oral memory, passed from generation to generation in those villages.

I have written a detailed article on Ramman Festival. You can read it here.

Famous Bhumiyal Devtas of Kumaon

In Kumaon region, several forms of Bhumiyal are worshipped. The most famous is Golu Devta of Champawat and Almora, known as the god of justice. People from faraway places come to write petitions at his temple. Another popular deity is Gwall Devta, believed to be the protector of cattle and farming land. Harishchandra Devta of Pithoragarh, Sain Devta of Bageshwar, and the various than devtas of Katyur valley are also worshipped as Bhumiyal. Each village here proudly identifies itself with its local Bhumiyal deity.

Famous Bhumiyal Devtas of Garhwal

In Garhwal too, Bhumiyal Devta is worshipped in different names. Bhavani Bhumiyal is widely respected in Tehri, Rudraprayag and Pauri. In the Tehri region, Kaithyur Bhumiyal has special importance. Byasi Bhumiyal of Srinagar in Pauri Garhwal is worshipped along the banks of Alaknanda river. In Uttarkashi and Tehri, Nagraj Bhumiyal is connected with rainfall and fertility of land. Almost every village has its own than devta who is considered the protector of that particular area.

Festivals and Cultural Role

Bhumiyal Devta is not just worshipped for crops and cattle but is also an important part of the cultural life of Uttarakhand. In the famous tradition of jagar, the first call is always given to Bhumiyal Devta. During sowing and harvesting seasons, his worship becomes a community festival.

In Garhwal, the Ramman festival of Saloor Dungra is one such occasion where Bhumiyal Devta is worshipped with music, dance and rituals. The deity is carried around the village in a grand procession, and people offer green barley sprouts as a symbol of good harvest. Such traditions not only keep the faith alive but also strengthen the bond among villagers.

Importance in Daily Life

The life of a village in Uttarakhand is incomplete without the presence of Bhumiyal Devta. He is the spiritual guardian, the symbol of justice, and the force that binds the community together. Whenever there is a dispute in the village or a crisis, people turn to their Bhumiyal Devta for guidance and blessing.

He represents the connection of people with their land. For villagers, the fields are not only a source of food but also a sacred responsibility. By worshipping Bhumiyal, they express their gratitude towards nature and the earth which sustains them.

Conclusion

Bhumiyal Devta is more than a local deity. He is the soul of the village, the protector of land, and the guardian of people’s lives. Every village of Uttarakhand has its own Bhumiyal, and through him, the culture and traditions of the Himalaya stay alive. Even today, when modern life is reaching the remotest corners, the faith in Bhumiyal Devta continues to unite the people with their roots and with the divine power of their land.

– Mohit Banagari