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Important Fairs of
Kumaon
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It is considered scared to take a dip in local Ganges (biggest river in the area is called Ganges) daily or at least on auspicious occasions as Purnimas, Amawashyas, Ekadashis, Sankranties and so on so forth. Besides taking dip one can buy essential commodities for house hold or peasants and craftsman can sell their products. Children and women more anxiously await for the events. Fairs are also a meeting place to discuss matrimonial and other issues. Govt agencies, manufacturers and political parties also avail this opportunity of mass communication. These fairs present colorful and rich traditions of Uttaranchal and carefree attitude of hill folk towards life despite lot of odds and hardships. Both man and women attired in their traditional colorful dresses can be seen singing and dancing on the tune of ‘Hruka’, ‘Damua’, ‘Dhol’, ‘Flute’ and Bagpiper. | ||
| From time immemorial commercial fairs are held at Joljibi and Bageshwar which are famous for trade with Tibet in precious items like Wool, Musk, Gold, costly medicines etc. Beautifully designed Shawls, Carpets, Tweeds, Quilts woven by locals of ‘Johar’ and ‘Darma’ valleys are still rated among best. Bageshwar fair is also famous for it’s local cane (Ringal) made (multipurpose and a must for farmers) Mats and Iron vessels. |
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| Main Fairs | |||
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Name |
Location |
Month |
Remarks |
| Nandadevi Mela |
Almora Nanital Ranchula Kote Munsari Ranikhet |
Aug-Sep |
Celebrated in the honor of Goddess Nanda since 16th centuary. Idol of Nanda and Sunada made of Banana tree stems are decorated, worshiped, carried in procession and finally immersed into rivers. It is a 3-5 days affair during which classical Jagars are also held. Folk artists sing group songs Jhora, Chapali, Choliya dance with the tune of Hurka, Damua and Bagpipers. |
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Syaldey Bikhoti-Baisakhi |
Dwarahat and Thal |
April | People from far flung villages gather along with their traditional flags in procession dancing and singing on the tune of ethnic instruments. |
| Bagwal Mela | Devidhura | Aug | Celebrated on the full moon night of Srawan Month. The fair is famous for mock battle by throwing stones on opponents. |
| Mostamanu Mela | Pithoragarh | Aug-Sep | Mostmanu temple is situated on a hill top. A chariot of the God is carried in procession. Also famous for baskets and wooden vessels made by local materials. |
| Chaiti Mela | Kashipur | Mar/Apr | Celebrated since ancient times. Worships are offered to Balasundari Devi and her Doli is carried in a procession. |
| Kartiki Purnima | Gananath, Pingnath | November | Childless couple offer puja at Gananath temple of Shiva and Ganesha. Pingnath is situated above Kausani and one has to climb about 700 steps to reach the hill top. In old times it a last chance (appeal ) for gamblers to win or lose. |
| Somnath Mela | Masi (Chukhutia) | Apr/May | Held for 7 days from the last Monday of Baisakh. People use to sing folk songs whole night and also a commercial event. |
| Uttarayani Meela | Bageshwar, Rameshwar, Pancheshwar | January | Also held at Gucher (Chamoli) and Uttarkashi. It may be classified as a commercial fair but at Pancheshwar and Uttarkashi local gods are carried in procession for bath in sacred rivers. |
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Jiya Rani Ka Mela
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Ranibagh (Haldwani)
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January
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Held in the memory of Jiya Rani, a queen of Katyuri King Pritam Dev who defeated the mighty Army of Tamoor Lang in Shivaliks in 1398. |
Travelogue