Magh Mela Uttarkashi

Magh Mela is a religious and cultural fair that has now become an important tourism festival as well. In religious beliefs, this fair is associated with the Mahabharata period. It is mentioned in the Adi Parva of Mahabharata that the Pandavas came here during their exile. The Lakshagriha which is today known as Laksheshwar is also located near Uttarkashi. Historicaly this fair has been a witness to the trade between India and Tibet. That is why the festival is also known as 'Bada haat Ku Thauloo'. The meaning of Badahat is Big Haat or big market. Before independence, traders from Tibet used to come here to sell rock salt, wool, gold herbs, cows, horses, etc. At that time this fair used to last for a month. After which the traders of Tibet would return from here with paddy and wheat. It is held in the Magh Month (January) and has fixed dates each year i.e, from 14 January (when Makar Sankranti is celebrated) to 21 January.The festival starts off with the beating of drums in the town situated on the banks of Bhagirathi River. Dolis or palanquin, carrying the deity of Kandar god and other Hindu gods and goddesses from various parts of Uttarkashi are brought on the first day of the fair to the Ramlila Ground at Uttarkashi through Pata-Sangrali Village. During this fair, devotees from different places come for Ganga Snan (dip in the holy River Ganga) and for shopping.During the week villagers of remote villages also come to this fair to sell wool and other handmade products of their respective areas. People from different parts of Uttarakhand display their local produce and handcrafted items.Since the fair takes place in January, skiing activities also take place during this time frame in the skiing ground prepared in Dayara Bugyal.*  The exact dates of the festival depend upon the Hindu Calendar.