Sajo is a popular festival of
Himachal Pradesh, in which the people bid farewell to the village deities. It falls in the spring month of Magh or Falgun.
During this time, the doors of the palanquins are laid open and that of temples are closed. There is a belief that it is the time, the gods depart for the heavens for a short period to take rest. During this time, the floors of the temples are cleaned and polished, believing that the gods will throw good things from heaven.
People prepare and eat several dishes on this day. They believe that the spirit of the god may descend on his devotees. In some villages, the village deity goes from house to house to sniff incense. The priest of the temple, who represents the deity, is given a warm welcome in each house. He is gifted with food grains and money.
