This fair takes place at Varahidevi temple in Devidhura, situated at the border of Almora, Pithoragarh and Nainital districts. It is held every year on the day of Raksha Bandhan. A unique feature of this fair is the image of Goddess Varahi kept in a locked brass casket. The casket is taken out in a procession to a nearby mountain spring where a blindfolded priest ritually bathes the image and puts it back in the casket. The Goddess is worshipped whole night and the next morning an exciting ' Bagwaal' fair takes place. The event is marked by two groups of people fighting a battle in front of the temple, throwing stones at each other, while they try to protect themselves by using big roof-like shields. Thousands of people gather to watch this event. The fighting stops soon after the priest appears and both sides meet and reconcile.
Fair & Festivals