Fairs:
Fairs are organised on these occasions on certain places. The Uttaraini Mela at Chitrashila near Ranibag is observed on Makar Sankranti Day (Approx. 14 January). Kumaoni people feed the crows on Uttaraini day by saying ‘Khale Kaua khale Ghughuti Bada Khale’ . On Buddha Purnima Day, in the month of May, there is festivity near Budhansthli, while Bhimtal observes Harela Mela on 16th or 17 July. Baishakhi Purnima day brings rejoicing near Lokhamtal while Kainchi temple premises is gay on 15 June. Kakrighat, besides the Kosi river, on road to Almora, has Somnath Fair on the last Monday of Baishakh, Garjia is full of festivity on Kartik Purnima day in the month of November. Nandashtami Festival is observed with full devotion in the district, fairs are organised at Nainadevi temple Almora, Nainital, Bhowali and Kot Bhramri. Dwarahat Bikhauti fair, Sor valley's Hilljatra fair, Ganai-Gangoli's Baurani fair are other important fairs. The Kumaoni people use the fortnight of Shradha in late September or early October to remember their died ancestors.
Uttarayani fair or Ghughutiya:
Uttrayani fair is held in a number of places including Bageshwar, Rameshwar, Sult Mahadev, Chitrashila (Ranibagh) and Hanseshwar etc. on Uttarayani day. At Pancheshwar the dola of Chaumu comes down to the temple. The fair at Bageshwar attracts maximum people. Its commercial, cultural and political importance is still very high. Goods like iron and copper pots, baskets, casks, bamboo articles, mats, mattresses, carpets, blankets, herbs and spices are sold during this fair.
The Uttarayani fairs are often used as platforms by social and political workers and the Bageshwar fair specially has played an important role in all the local movements, as also in the freedom movement. In 1921 activists had given a call for the eventual eradication of the system of bonded labour known as coolie begar. In 1929 Gandhi ji came to Bageshwar. Many freedom fighters and folk singers have been closely associated with the Bageshwar fair. Even today the fair attracts a large number of people, who spend the whole night dancing and singing Jhoras, Chancharis and Bairas.
Uttrayani fair is held in a number of places including Bageshwar, Rameshwar, Sult Mahadev, Chitrashila (Ranibagh) and Hanseshwar etc. on Uttarayani day. At Pancheshwar the dola of Chaumu comes down to the temple. The fair at Bageshwar attracts maximum people. Its commercial, cultural and political importance is still very high. Goods like iron and copper pots, baskets, casks, bamboo articles, mats, mattresses, carpets, blankets, herbs and spices are sold during this fair.
The Uttarayani fairs are often used as platforms by social and political workers and the Bageshwar fair specially has played an important role in all the local movements, as also in the freedom movement. In 1921 activists had given a call for the eventual eradication of the system of bonded labour known as coolie begar. In 1929 Gandhi ji came to Bageshwar. Many freedom fighters and folk singers have been closely associated with the Bageshwar fair. Even today the fair attracts a large number of people, who spend the whole night dancing and singing Jhoras, Chancharis and Bairas.
Nanda Devi fair:
The Nandadevi fair is held at Almora, Nainital, Kot (Dangoli), Ranikhet, Bhowali, Kichha and also in the far flung villages of Johar (like Milam and Martoli) and Pindar valleys (like Wachham and Khati)and Pachar village in Bageshwar. In the villages of the Pindar valley people celebrate the Nanda Devi Jaat (journey) every year, while in Johari people come from far and wide to Danadhar, Suring, Milam and Martoli in order to worship the Goddess. In Nainital and Almora thousands take part in the procession carrying the dola (or litter) of Nanda Devi. It is said that the Nanda Devi fairs started in Kumaon during the reign of Kalyan Chand in the 16th century. A three day fair is held at Kot ki mai or Kot bhramari devi. The fair at Saneti comes every second year. Both these fairs are rich in folk expressions and many village products are brought for sale
The Nandadevi fair is held at Almora, Nainital, Kot (Dangoli), Ranikhet, Bhowali, Kichha and also in the far flung villages of Johar (like Milam and Martoli) and Pindar valleys (like Wachham and Khati)and Pachar village in Bageshwar. In the villages of the Pindar valley people celebrate the Nanda Devi Jaat (journey) every year, while in Johari people come from far and wide to Danadhar, Suring, Milam and Martoli in order to worship the Goddess. In Nainital and Almora thousands take part in the procession carrying the dola (or litter) of Nanda Devi. It is said that the Nanda Devi fairs started in Kumaon during the reign of Kalyan Chand in the 16th century. A three day fair is held at Kot ki mai or Kot bhramari devi. The fair at Saneti comes every second year. Both these fairs are rich in folk expressions and many village products are brought for sale
Jauljibi and Thal fairs:
This fair is held every year in November at Jauljibi, the confluence of the rivers Kali and Gori, which is a meeting place of three different cultures – the Shauka, the Nepali and the Kumaoni. This gateway to Johar, Darma, Chaudans and Byans was at one time, considered to be the central place between Tibet and the Tarai regions. Though this fair is primarily a commercial one, its cultural importance cannot be overlooked. People come even from Nepal to this fair in order to sell horses, ghee and foreign goods and take back foodgrains, jaggery etc.
A similar fair is held at Thal on Vaishakh Sankranti (14 April) and it attracts a large number of Shaukas. With the closure of the Indo – Tibet trade these fairs have lost their former importance.
This fair is held every year in November at Jauljibi, the confluence of the rivers Kali and Gori, which is a meeting place of three different cultures – the Shauka, the Nepali and the Kumaoni. This gateway to Johar, Darma, Chaudans and Byans was at one time, considered to be the central place between Tibet and the Tarai regions. Though this fair is primarily a commercial one, its cultural importance cannot be overlooked. People come even from Nepal to this fair in order to sell horses, ghee and foreign goods and take back foodgrains, jaggery etc.
A similar fair is held at Thal on Vaishakh Sankranti (14 April) and it attracts a large number of Shaukas. With the closure of the Indo – Tibet trade these fairs have lost their former importance.
Syaldey Bikhauti:
It is celebrated on the Vishuwat Sankranti day and commemorates an ancient victory. On this day, the Bagwal is held at Syalde Pokhar in the old town of Dwarahat. People also celebrate the occasion with music, songs and dancing. One day before this a similar fair is held at Vibhandeshwar in which Lord Shiva is worshipped. The Syalde Bikhauti fair has been successful in retaining its old colour and gaiety to a large extent.
It is celebrated on the Vishuwat Sankranti day and commemorates an ancient victory. On this day, the Bagwal is held at Syalde Pokhar in the old town of Dwarahat. People also celebrate the occasion with music, songs and dancing. One day before this a similar fair is held at Vibhandeshwar in which Lord Shiva is worshipped. The Syalde Bikhauti fair has been successful in retaining its old colour and gaiety to a large extent.
Devidhura Bagwal:
This fair is held in the compound of the Varahi Devi temple at Devidhura on the day of Raksha Bandhan. Devidhura is situated at a trijunction of Almora, Pithoragarh and Nainital districts and the fair is well known for its enchanting folk songs and dances as also for its Bagwal. During the Bagwal the two groups (khams) of people throw stones at each other while they try to protect themselves by using big roof like shields. Even watching the Bagwal is a truly thrilling experience. The Devidhura fair has maintained its old vigour.
This fair is held in the compound of the Varahi Devi temple at Devidhura on the day of Raksha Bandhan. Devidhura is situated at a trijunction of Almora, Pithoragarh and Nainital districts and the fair is well known for its enchanting folk songs and dances as also for its Bagwal. During the Bagwal the two groups (khams) of people throw stones at each other while they try to protect themselves by using big roof like shields. Even watching the Bagwal is a truly thrilling experience. The Devidhura fair has maintained its old vigour.
Others:
Mostamanu Mela:(Pithoragarh)
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)
Celebrated since ancient times. Worships are offered to Balasundari Devi and her Doli is carried in a procession.
Kartiki Purnima:(Gananath, Pingnath)
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) )
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)
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.
Jiya Rani Ka Mela:(Ranibagh (Haldwani))
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.
Mostamanu Mela:(Pithoragarh)
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)
Celebrated since ancient times. Worships are offered to Balasundari Devi and her Doli is carried in a procession.
Kartiki Purnima:(Gananath, Pingnath)
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) )
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)
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.
Jiya Rani Ka Mela:(Ranibagh (Haldwani))
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.