Gabladev Fair is celebrated every year as a religious fair by the inhabitants of Darma Valley which is situated at an elevation of 4000mts in the Pithoragarh district in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
When is Gabladev Fair celebrated?
Gabladev Fair is celebrated every year in the third week of Bhadrapad month. Bhadrapad month normally begins around 22-23rd August. The date of the fair is finalized by the intellectuals of Dantu and Dugat villages. The fair is held for 5-6 days.
How is Gabladev Fair celebrated?
People from the nearby villages of Dantu, Go, Baun, Marcha, Dugat, Sela, Chal, Wing, Tidang, Saun, Dakar/Dhakar, Byaling, Nagling, and others celebrate Gabladev Fair with great zest and passion. All the people wear their traditional dresses and arrive at the fair with their respective groups singing their traditional songs and dancing joyously. They participate actively in the fair and worship Lord Gabladev.
On the first day of the fair, Lord Shiva is worshipped and a vigil is held. On the second day of the fair, Lord Gabladev is worshipped ritualistically and cultural programmes are organized.