State PCS - Uttarakhand (UKPSC)

• 24 Nov 2025

Mangsir Bagwal

Why in News?

Hilly villages in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand are celebrating Mangsir Bagwal, a post-Diwali folk festival rooted in agrarian rhythm and local history.

Key Points

• The festival of Mangsir Bawal is held in the lunar month of Mangsir (Margashirsha), about one month after Kartik Diwali, marking a delayed celebration of light in the hills.
• It honours the legendary return of Garhwali commander Madho Singh Bhandari, who arrived home victorious from battle against Tibetan forces after Diwali, prompting the community to light lamps and rejoice a month later.
• The timing coincides with end of the winter-harvest season in the hills, when farm work eases and villagers come together for communal feasting, music, and dance.
• Rituals include folk dances like Raso and Tandi, performances to traditional drums (dhol-damaun), and a unique rope ritual on the festival’s fourth day (‘Bhaand’) where local grass is woven into thick rope and coiled in the village square.
• The festival highlights agrarian-pastoral livelihoods of the Garhwal hills: the post-harvest lull gives space for social celebration, ritual purification, and preparation for the harsh winter months.
• It helps preserve folk arts, local dialects, field-rites, and intangible heritage  important in tribal and hill contexts facing urban migration and cultural erosion.

Madho Singh Bhandari

• Madho Singh Bhandari (17th century) was a famed Garhwali commander under the Kingdom of Garhwal, celebrated for his bravery and strategic skill.
• He is most widely remembered for constructing the historic Bhandari Khal Canal, an engineering feat in the mountainous terrain that supported irrigation and village agriculture.
• Folklore credits him with defending Garhwal’s borders against invading forces, making him a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and military prowess in Uttarakhand.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day

Why in News?

The President of India paid tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on the occasion of his 350th Martyrdom Day on 24th November 2025.

• He was executed by Aurangzeb on 24th November 1675, for defending Kashmiri Pandits against forced religious conversion, and the Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi's Chandni Chowk marks the site of his execution.

Key Points

• Early Life: Born in the year 1621 in Amritsar, Guru Tegh Bahadur was initially known as Tyagmal due to his ascetic nature. Trained in religious philosophy and martial skills, he was awarded the title “Tegh Bahadur” for his bravery in battle.
• Contribution: He became the 9th Sikh Guru in 1664 after Guru Harkishan. In 1665, he founded Anandpur Sahib and contributed more than 700 hymns to the Guru Granth Sahib, focusing on equality, justice, and devotion.
• Legacy: He opposed forced religious conversions during Aurangzeb’s reign and encouraged fearlessness (Nirbhau) and compassion (Nirvair) among his followers.
  • He is revered for defending freedom of religion and conscience earning him the title “Hind-di Chadar” (Shield of India).

Ten Gurus of Sikhism
Guru Nanak Dev (1469–1539)	• First Sikh Guru and founder of Sikhism. • Initiated ‘Guru ka Langar’ • Contemporary of Babur • Kartarpur Corridor was inaugurated on his 550th birth anniversary
Guru Angad (1504–1552)	• Invented the Gurmukhi script • Popularized the practice of ‘Guru ka Langar’
Guru Amar Das (1479–1574)	• Introduced the Anand Karaj marriage ceremony• Abolished sati and purdah practices among Sikhs• Contemporary of Akbar
Guru Ram Das (1534–1581)	• Founded Amritsar in 1577 • Began the extraction and construction of the Holy Tank (Sarovar) at the site of the Golden Temple.
Guru Arjan Dev (1563–1606)	• Compiled the Adi Granth in 1604• Completed the Golden Temple’s construction• Known as ‘Shaheeden-de-Sartaj’• Executed by Jahangir for helping Prince Khusrau
Guru Hargobind (1594–1644)	• Transformed Sikhs into a martial community• Known as the “Soldier Saint”• Established the Akal Takht in Amritsar
Guru Har Rai (1630–1661)	• Peace-loving Guru• Dedicated his life to missionary work and maintaining the Sikh army. Met with Dara Shikoh (Aurangzeb’s brother).
Guru Harkishan (1656–1664)	• Youngest Sikh Guru, became Guru at age 5• Summoned by Aurangzeb
Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621–1675)	• Founded Anandpur Sahib• Opposed forced conversions under Aurangzeb• Martyred in 1675 for defending Kashmiri Pandits
Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708)	• Founded the Khalsa in 1699• Introduced the initiation ceremony “Pahul”• Last human Sikh Guru  and the Five Ks• Declared Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru