OverView of Darkali (bp)

"Darkali" meaning Dar (Doorsteps) of Godess Durga (Kali, localy known as sanwani) and some called it as the 52nd Shaktipeeth of Maan Durga. The village is known for its local deity (Lakshmi Narayan and Devta Shadnu). People have heavy faith on Lakshami Narayan known as the kul dev (family god) of Badrel family who were immigrated here from Garhwal hills 'Badrinath' (one of four dham, pilgrims of Hindu mythology) in 16th century and the Shadnu is known as the kul dev of Mehta family (first family who settled here, known as the original resident of the village). Badrels are most renowned and largest in population in Panchayat Darkali with about 80 families are living in Sharoli and Sharnal hamlets. Sharoli and Tanta are two hamlets in Darkali village. Thakur of Adahal (Rohru) immigrated in 17th century and settled in Tanta hamlet. The Negi (Rapalto) is the only ST family of the panchayat and Sani immigrated from Kashapath adjoining Panchayat living in Sharoli hamlet. The sheep and goat grazing was the main occupation of the villagers till 80s of 19th century. After Independence a Sadhu lived here in a Kutiya at Amlash encouraged villagers to grow apple and villagers get apple plants from Kotgarh that changed the economy of the villagers after 90s. Villagers used to celebrate all Hindu festivals like Shivratri, Holi, Dushahra, Deepawali but Daknol is the most famous festival of the village. This festival is being celebrated every year on Sharavan Sangrand (1st day of month Shravan). The festival is celebrated to honour the shepherd and Devta Lakshmi Narayan welcomes the group of shepherd on the outer boundary of the village. Jagra (celebrated after Krishan Janmashthmi, on this day villagers worship budta dev; god of shepherd, lives in a bhudta (basket of local bamboo) and saves shepherd from natural calamities) and Dyawad (after Deepawali) and  is also some other festivals celebrated by the villagers. In the month of April May villagers devote their new crop (Barley) to their local deity and worshiped with the badi (salted boiled barley/wheat flour) and  halwa (sweet wheat boiled floor) to the ishat (kuldev, Family god) Lakshami Narayan/ Sharnu Devta. On the Baisakhi festival villagers remember their ancestors whose stone icons placed at village bawadi (drinking water sources). A sacred grove of deodar (deodara) trees was preserved in the name of local deity at Kiyara. Another Kail forest was planted about 50 years back is now growing good at Nayawan. The people are very keen to preserve their forests and good flora is found here. The herbal are also available in good quantity and best quality. 'Biodiversity Management Committee' Darkali is creating awareness to preserve the forests and preparing a biodiversity register to encourage the villagers to plant more trees. The nature is full of picturesque view here. Dangri Chow (Water Fall) is come out of in the center of Aga Shadnu dhar.