Fairs and festivals of Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand is an integral part of their culture. They are not only an expression of the religious, social and the cultural urges of the people but have also sustained the folk culture and have been fundamental to the economic activities of the people. The great annual fairs are known by the name of "Mela", and are always connected with religious ideas and customs. They very often center round some famous local shrine, which reaps an extensive harvest at the annual festival. Business, pleasure and religion are cheerfully combined in these festivities.
Vishuvati is observed as the day of solstice. This solstice is called Mesh (ram in form) also; but the Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Shilpkars observe a grand festival on this day with victuals fried in clarified butter, sweetmeats, betel-leaves etc. In many places fairs are also held. Pahari (hill dialect) songs are sung and people dance. This is an old festival of aboriginals of this place. On this day fairs are held in Dwarahat, Syalde, Chaugar and Lohakhai. Vat Savitri Amavasya is another festival and women fast on this day. The story of chaste Savitri and Satyavan is heard on this day. The figures of the dead Satyavan, Lord Yama and eminent jewel among chaste women Savitri are drawn under a banyan tree and they are worshipped.
Harishayani ekadashi is a famous fast. The women hold the rule of Chatursmasya (the bathing and fasting for months beginning on the eve of the rainy season) from this day. The fast ends on Haribodhini (awakening of gods). Sankasht Chaturthi is the fast and worship of Lord Ganesh on the fourth day of the dark half of Bhadra (Aug-Sep). Food is taken on the visibility of the moon after giving charity by libation in honour of the deity, moon. This fast is generally undertaken by the women. A great fair called Uttaraini is held at Bageshwar. A holy dip is taken by the masses in rivers at Bageshwar, Rameshwer, Chitrashila and other places. This festival is also called `Kale Kauwa` in Kumaon. It appears to be an old festival of this region. One of the largest festivals is the Uttraini festival of Bageshwar, which is organised in the month of January for a period of one week and is frequented by Almora traders, on barter or money lending intent, and by the Bhotiyas from the snows, as well as by a great multitude of people from the surrounding villages.
Thus fairs and festivals are an integral part of the cultural life of the people of Bageshwar district.
