Thousands of devotees gathered at the sacred confluence of the Sarayu and Gomti rivers in Bageshwar, Uttarakhand, early on Wednesday morning. They offered prayers and took a holy dip to mark the start of the week-long Uttarayani Fair. This annual event celebrates Makar Sankranti, a key Hindu festival.
Significance of the Uttarayani Fair
The fair marks the sun's transition from Dakshinayan to Uttarayan. Hindus consider this transition highly auspicious. Many pilgrims travel from remote hill villages and neighboring districts to participate. The region's strong connection to Bagnath dham, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, adds to the spiritual draw.
Historical Legacy of the Fair
The Uttarayani Fair holds deep historical importance. It served as the birthplace of the 1921 movement against Coolie Begar. This was a British-era system of forced labor in the Kumaon region. In defiance, protesters immersed their tools in the Sarayu river. The fair provided a crucial platform for mass mobilization. This collective action eventually led to the abolition of the oppressive practice.
Political Engagement at the Fairgrounds
On Wednesday, political parties set up pavilions at Sarayu Bagar. This transformed the fairground into a vibrant space for dialogue and debate. Senior Congress leaders actively engaged with spectators. Former chief minister Harish Rawat, state party president Ganesh Godiyal, and Congress Working Committee member Karan Mahara were present.
"The fair reminds us that democracy's real strength lies in staying connected with people at the grassroots," said Harish Rawat.
At the BJP pavilion, Union minister Ajay Tamta addressed visitors. He described the fair as a unique meeting point where tradition and development converge.
Social and Community Stalls
Various organizations also established stalls at the fair. The Uttarakhand Kranti Dal and social groups like the Bageshwar Sangharsh Vahini participated. Their stalls highlighted pressing local concerns:
- Employment opportunities for the youth
- Issues related to migration from hill areas
- Infrastructure development needs
- Environmental protection in the region
The Uttarayani Fair continues to be a major cultural and social event in Uttarakhand. It blends deep religious faith with historical remembrance and contemporary political discourse.
