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Bikhauti is celebrated on the Vishuwat Sankranti. Syalde Bikhauti is celebrated on the occasion of an ancient victory. On this day, the Bagwal fair is held at Syalde Pokhar in the old town of Dwarahat. People also celebrate the festival with music, songs and dances. 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. The Somnath fair is also held on the Vishuwat Sankranti day in the Shiva temple at Masi. It is a famous fair of Pali Pachhaun. Animals, specially bullocks and calves, are sold at this fair. In the summer the people in the valley of Ramganga W., especially in Masi and Bhikiasen, celebrate the unique Machhli utsav (the fish festival). The villagers bearing tumra come with Jaal, fatyav and hathiya to the river to catch fish. The fish festival is locally known as Dahau. Every year, the Punyagiri fair is held on Vishuwat Sankranti and it attracts a large number of pilgrims. During the Punyagiri fair, thousands of people visit the temple at Punyagiri, which is situated on the top of a mountain on the right bank of the river Kali, in the district of Pithoragarh. The temple is very crowded during the Navaratris of Paush and Chaitra. 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.
History of Bikhauti Fair
Bikhauti Fair at Syalde had its origin as early as 14th century when Katuyari Kings ruling this place established it after an event in which two groups of people fought against each other on an issue of worshipping the local Goddess. The chieftain of the group which lost the battle was killed and his chopped head was buried in the earth here. A stone was also laid on the place where the head of the Chieftain was buried. To mark this victory this fair was organized on the day of Vishuwat Sankranti, when all the villagers would march to the stone and strike it with a stick.
Celebration of Bikhauti Fair
The celebration and festivities of this Fair bring home the traditional history of this place in a way. On the day of the Fair, the villagers form themselves into three groups. These groups are called Aal, Garak and Nujvula. Each group dresses up differently and in a unique fashion. They also carry musical instruments and flags of different types to maintain the uniqueness of each group.
The festival begins at the Old market area of Dwarahat, where all the members of the three groups assemble. The members of the nearby village also gather in large numbers to join the festivity. Among the three groups, one belongs to the successors of the group which won the battle as per tradition. They first walk towards the stone laid over the spot where the defeated Chieftain’s head was buried. They hit at the stone with sticks. The group belonging to the successors of the defeated group also marches to the stone and pay their homage to the departed soul of their chieftain.
Uttarakhand Festivals has earned status of Devbhoomi due to its religious and spiritual significance that dates back to eternities ago. The traditional belief and culture here is extremely unique and one of a kind which gives birth to some of the most colorful and fun-filled festivals in Uttarakhand. No matter Kumaoni or Garhwali the hill population find a reason to celebrate almost every month of the year, some of them being widely acclaimed while some remain limited to local grounds but are equally special. Uttarakhand is popularly known as 'Devbhoomi' or the land of gods. It is a very famous pilgrimage site where people come from all parts of India and even the world to immerse in the spiritual and religious environment. From the sacred ghats of Ganga in Haridwar to the snow-capped mountains of Auli, Uttarakhand is viewed as a holy place. It has a varied and vibrant culture as it is home to people of different ethnic groups, tribal communities, and even immigrants. Here, people speak many languages like Hindi, Bhotia, Garhwali, Kumaoni, wear different traditional dresses and also celebrate various festivals. The beliefs and traditions of the Garhwali and Kumaoni people are a significant part of their life and also ascertain their identity.
