Chippla Jaat Uttarakhand

Chippla Jaat in Uttaranchal is one of the fairs and festivals in Uttaranchal which is celebrated with much enthusiasm and gusto. It is one of the fairs that people eagerly wait for the entire year. The social, religious and cultural tones of people find expression in the various fairs organized in the state. There are a large number of fairs organized and among them Chippla Jaat in Uttaranchal is quite popular.

The state of Uttaranchal is a land of festivals and fairs where festivity and traditional values reign supreme. Festivals offer people the reason to rejoice and spread cheer and merriment all around. Festivals also serve as an important platform of uniting people. Fairs are important for trading activities and closely linked to the economic activities of the region.

The traditions of fair have been followed since ancient times in the state of Uttaranchal. The fairs and folk festivals are quite famous in this state and are a blend of the religious, social and cultural factors. These fairs are important uphold religious and social significance. Among the various festivals, the Chippla Jaat in Uttaranchal in India is quite popular. People during this festival go on a yatra from different villages of Dharchula and Gorikhal regions and reach Kedardwe and Najurikote. They go through thick forests, rocky lands and Bugyals and travel barefoot during these days. The date of the jaat is finalized by the dhami burha or bonia (folk priest).

During this festival, the jaat travels from different villages and collects the flag of red cloth pieces from all the families of the villages and then goes to Barmano. The yatris participating in this jaat have to travel through different villages and cross Bunga, Garapani, Mangthil gwar, Ganbhujdhura (the blooming bugyal) to reach Brahmkund. On the way yatris will also see Jyulital and Patojkund and from there the jaat reaches Bhaiman Kund. One can visit the fair after visiting the Kanar devi temple.

Different aspects of human faith find expression in the Chippla Jaat in Uttaranchal. Dance, collective food, songs and bare foot journey as well as the possession of the body of Bonia by the folk god are the vital elements of Chhipla Jaat.