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Introduction :
Uttaranchal, a new born state in the lap of the
Himalayas abounds in temples. The people of this state are
fun loving and celebrate their festivals with much
revelry. At the time of these festivals, the temples
become venues for fairs. Of the large number of fairs held
in Uttaranchal, The Uttarayani Fair is a fair which
showcases the culture of the land. The Uttarayani Fair in
Uttaranchal is held in a number of places like Bageshwar,
Rameshwar, Suit Mahadev, Chitrashila (Ranibagh) and
Hanseshwar. In Bageshwar, the fair attracts the largest
number of people. It is held in the premises of the holy
Bageshwar temple. |
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The
Bageshwar Fair has played an even more prominent role in
trying to uproot the evils of bonded labor or begar. In
the year 1921 under the able leadership of Pandit Badri
Dutt Pande, the registers of the Coolie laborers were
drifted at the meeting points of the Saryu and Gomti
Rivers by the Kumaon Parishad activists.
In 1921, Mahatma Gandhi himself visited the Bageshwar
Fair. Several freedom fighters and folk singers are also
associated with the Bageshwar Fair. They have tried to
instill in these simple rustic people the values of self
esteem and independence.
Description :
People take a dip in the holy river because the fair
begins on a very auspicious day.
A lot of commercial activity
takes place at the fair grounds. A variety of items like
iron and copper pots, baskets, casks, bamboo articles,
mats, mattresses, carpets, blankets, herbs and spices can
be purchased in the fair.
The sight of the large gatherings clad in bright and
colorful clothes is a visual treat. The mood is very
joyous. All night long people sing and dance. You will
surely enjoy the impressive performances by the folk
artistes. They sing Jhoras, Chancharis and Bairas.
Time for celebrating :
The Uttarayani Fair is held on the occasion of Makar
Sankranti which generally falls in the month of January. |
