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Devidhura
At distance of 45 kms from Lohaghat, Devidhura is famous for its Barahi temples. A very unusual fair, which attracts people from Kumoan, Nepal, and even other places, is held every year at the temple of Barahi Devi on Raksha Bandhan day. During this festival, known as Bagwal, two groups of dancing and singing people throw stones at each other, while they try to protect themselves with the help of large wooden shields. The famous hunter, Jim Corbett's tale 'Temple Tiger' is associated with the Devidhura temples. Devidhura is situated amidst tall deodar and oak trees surrounded by beautiful native flora and fauna. This is a wonderful place for treking and being one with the mountains.
Bagwal - Devidhura Fair/DEVIDHURA MELA
Venus : Varah Devi Temple in Devi Dhura (Almora).
On the Day of : Rakshabandhan
Unique Features : Image of Goddess kept in Locked Brass Casket
Main Attraction : Bagwaal Fair, The stone Pelting Game
The Devidhura Fair is held on the day of Raksha Bandhan in August, at the Varahi Devi Temple. Devidhura is situated at the trijunction of Almora, Pithoragarh & Nainital districts. A unique feature of the fair is the image of the goddess, kept in a locked brass casket. This casket is taken in a procession to a nearby mountain spring where a blindfolded priest ritually bathes the image and replaces it in the casket.
The whole night the Goddess is worshipped and the next morning the exciting "Bagwaal" fair is celebrated. Two groups of men duly purified, fight a "battle" in front of the temple flinging stones at each other, while thousands gather to watch.
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.
Bagwal - Devidhura Fair/DEVIDHURA MELA
Venus : Varah Devi Temple in Devi Dhura (Almora).
On the Day of : Rakshabandhan
Unique Features : Image of Goddess kept in Locked Brass Casket
Main Attraction : Bagwaal Fair, The stone Pelting Game
The Devidhura Fair is held on the day of Raksha Bandhan in August, at the Varahi Devi Temple. Devidhura is situated at the trijunction of Almora, Pithoragarh & Nainital districts. A unique feature of the fair is the image of the goddess, kept in a locked brass casket. This casket is taken in a procession to a nearby mountain spring where a blindfolded priest ritually bathes the image and replaces it in the casket.
The whole night the Goddess is worshipped and the next morning the exciting "Bagwaal" fair is celebrated. Two groups of men duly purified, fight a "battle" in front of the temple flinging stones at each other, while thousands gather to watch.
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.
