Draft:Khaśa People

Khaśa, ( skt:खश ) and are Ethno-linguistic group of people inhabiting the surrounding areas of Chenab river. They speak Khaśali and Khaśi dilects of Western Pahari language family. They are closely related to Bhadarwahi, Sarazi linguistic groups.

History
The earliest mention of the word Khaśa can be found in the epic Mahabharata, where they are mentioned to have inhabited regions in the vicinity of Gandhara, Trigarta, and the Madra Kingdom. According to Kalhana's accounts in Rajatarangini, the Khaśas predominantly inhabited regions situated to the west, south, and east of the Pir Panjal mountain range. Upon careful examination, it becomes evident that their territory extended from the Jehlum River in the west to Kishtwar in the east. The ‘khaśalaya region,’ which translates to the "abode of Khaśas," mentioned in the 4th chronicle of the Rajatarangini, corresponds to the modern-day Khaśāl region, where people call themselves khaśas. It is located on the left bank of the Chenab River near Doda city, as identified by siddheshwar varma in his linguistic survey

Festivals
The Khaśa community observes numerous festivals that are unique to their cultural heritage, diverging from the mainstream festivities observed elsewhere in India. These festivals are characterized by their tantric essence, reflecting the spiritual and ritualistic traditions inherent within Khaśa culture.

 Khaḍal 

It is a three day festival, organised by a family for the fullfilment of a wish. In preparation for the festival, family members observe a tradition of sleeping on the floor for the 15 days preceding the event.

On the first day, ‘pyala’or ‘bagni’ is prepared which is a soup of a herb known as ‘kodray’ in local language. It is given to all the devotees attending the festival and represents the poison swallowed by shiva during the event of Churning of ocean. On the second day of the festival, there is a continuation of rituals with recitation of mantras. On the third and final day, two pots filled with rice are placed in the center of the house to symbolize Shankar and Gowra, alternative names for Shiva and Parvati in the local language. Additionally, wheat flour rolls are served with ghee and honey as part of traditional customs.