Devidhura, Champawat, August 28, 2026: The world-renowned Bagwal Fair was celebrated with deep faith, tradition and cultural energy at Maa Varahi Dham in Devidhura on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami joined devotees at the revered Shakti Peeth, offered prayers to Maa Varahi and wished for the peace, prosperity and well-being of Uttarakhand.
The Chief Minister received a traditional welcome at the Devidhura helipad with a colourful Chholiya dance performance. Cabinet Minister Ram Singh Kaida, District Magistrate Manish Kumar, Superintendent of Police Rekha Yadav and other public representatives were present to receive him.
Dhami said the Bagwal Fair at Devidhura represents the living spirit of Uttarakhand’s faith, folk culture, community participation and age-old traditions. He said the state government is committed to preserving the region’s cultural roots, local customs and historic religious heritage while also taking forward modern development.
The Chief Minister said development should not be limited to roads and buildings alone. Religious sites, historic traditions and cultural identity, he said, must also be connected with the mainstream of development.
Highlighting work undertaken through the Manaskhand Temple Mala Mission, Dhami said major religious and historic sites in the Kumaon region are being upgraded and beautified. He said that over the past five years, 397 works worth ₹68.58 crore have been completed in the area under religious infrastructure and beautification initiatives.
Dhami announced that efforts would be made to develop Devidhura as a Nagar Panchayat. He also said a multi-level parking facility worth ₹9.80 crore would be constructed in Devidhura soon to improve convenience for devotees, visitors and local residents.
The Chief Minister appealed to people, especially the younger generation, to actively participate in safeguarding Uttarakhand’s folk traditions and cultural heritage. Reiterating the government’s broader vision, he said the state is moving forward with the resolve of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi”—development along with preservation of heritage.
Dhami also witnessed the traditional Bagwal, known for its unique ritualistic contest between the four Khams and seven Thoks. Women and girls at the fair tied Rakhi to the Chief Minister, adding to the festive spirit of Raksha Bandhan.
The event began with traditional worship of Maa Varahi by the chief priest. After the rituals, participants from the four Khams—Walikh (white), Chamyal (pink), Gahadwal (saffron) and Lamgadiya (yellow)—entered the Bagwal ground in their distinctive traditional attire and turbans.
Carrying shields made from bamboo and ringal, the participants joined the centuries-old ritual amid conch sounds and chants in praise of Maa Varahi. The Bagwal ground resonated with devotional slogans as fruits and flowers were exchanged in the traditional observance.
Dhami said Maa Varahi is believed to care for all devotees, and the Bagwal tradition is an extraordinary heritage found only in Devidhura. He described it as an example of discipline and brotherhood, noting that participants embrace one another after the event despite competing in the ritual.
