Vikramaditya’s ‘raj tilak’ before Raja’s cremation

Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, July 9

Virbhadra Singh will be cremated only after the ‘raj tilak’ of his son Vikramaditya Singh, MLA from Shimla (Rural), takes places, as per the traditions of the princely state of Bushahr, to which the late Congress leader belonged.

Coronation in the presence of ‘bajantris’

Old-timers reveal how the ‘raj tilak’ is performed in the presence of ‘bajantris’ (musical instrument players) from the villages of Lalsa, Dansa, Shingla and Shaneri. They play differently when the ‘raj tilak’ is being done and once the ceremony is over, they play differently for the cremation, to mark the solemn occasion.

Preparations are being made for the ‘raj tilak’ (coronation ceremony) at Padam Palace in Rampur to make 31-year-old Vikramaditya the titular head of the erstwhile princely state of Bushahr before Virbhadra’s cremation. The throne will get its new Raja, as per the traditions still being followed in most erstwhile princely states of India. It will be a symbolic ritual to take forward the family legacy.

Virbhadra was appointed the titular head of the state in 1947 even though India had attained independence. He became the 122nd king of Bushahr at the age of 13 after the demise of his father Raja Padam Singh.

Prior to shifting their base to Sarahan, the seat of the Bushahr estate was at Kamroo in the Sangla valley of Kinnaur where the ancient fort of the family still stands. Even now most of the religious ceremonies and rituals of the family are performed at the fort at Kamru.

Virbhadra’s body was brought to his Padam Palace at Rampur this evening. Emotional scenes were witnessed as the entire town received their “Raja Sahib” with slogans like “Dekho-dekho kaun aya, sher aya - sher aya” and “Raja Sahib, amar rahe”.

Meanwhile, people turned out in large numbers to get a last glimpse of their beloved leader and pay their respect for the one last time. People, including a large number of women, lined up along the road at Theog, Kumarsain, Narkanda and Luhri to offer floral tributes to the departed leader.