Tucked away in the Garhwal Himalayas, the quaint hill town of Khirsu in Uttarakhand transforms into a hub of faith, festivity, and folklore every year during the Kathbaddi Mela. This year, on April 28 2025, the hamlet in Pauri Garhwal will once again come alive with the sounds of drums, chants, and laughter as villagers and visitors gather to take part in a tradition that has stood the test of time.
At the heart of this cultural carnival lies the ritual of crafting a 100 m long rope made entirely from grass. This rope, known as the Kathbaddi, symbolises unity, heritage, and spiritual belief. Woven with devotion by the locals, the rope is carried ceremonially from one end of the village to the other, symbolising a passage of blessings and energy. The main event is a sight to behold: villagers dressed in traditional attire, pulling the massive grass rope through the winding paths of Khirsu with rhythmic chants echoing through the pine-scented air.
