Syalde Bikhauti

स्याल्दे बिखौती

Kumaon region · Dwarahat, Almora

What Syalde Bikhauti marks

The great spring fair of Dwarahat in Almora, held over two days around Baisakhi. It blends a harvest fair with old martial tradition and the worship of Bimandeshwar Mahadev.

How it's celebrated

Villagers arrive in procession with nishan flags, sing and dance the jhora and chanchari in long chains, and enact a symbolic striking of the Shilya stone. The bazaar of Dwarahat fills with a traditional trade fair.