Bhoranj (HP), Oct. 20 -- Sammoo is a small and remote village of Bhoranj development block of Hamirpur district where no Diwali function is celebrated. If anyone or any family tries to celebrate the festival, they invite "curse" to themselves and their family.
A visit to the village, about 25 km from the district headquarters town of Hamirpur, reveals that people living there were performing other chores rather than trying to celebrate Diwali.
For generations, villagers abstain from Diwali festivities, believing their community is "cursed," preventing them from celebrating the festival. Villagers say attempts to celebrate Diwali have resulted in tragedies, including untimely deaths.
The roots of their aversion to Diwali lie in a tragic i...