Jauljibi and Thal Festivals

Fairs and festivals are a pleasant change to the daily routine lives that we lead. The Jauljibi and Thal Fairs in the Pithorgarh district of Uttaranchal are matchless because both these places throb with life when these fairs are held. They are the meeting points of three different cultures. Both these fairs are primarily commercial, but one should not miss out on the fact that provide a great deal of insight on the culture of the Shaukas, the Nepalis and the Kumaoni’s.

History :
The Uttarayani Fair provides the social and political workers with an important platform to express their grievances. It has consequently played a vital role in the local movements.

Description :
Nestled by the snow clad mountains, Jauljibi is a picturesque place where you can find forests as well as rivers. The prime attraction of this place as well as of Thal is the fairs that they host. At both these fairs, the simple rustic people of these hilly regions come together to meet each other and at the same time to carry on some business. This place is the gateway to important places like Johar, Darma, Chaudans and Byans. A variety of products are sold in both these fairs. In fact people from the neighboring country of Nepal come over to sell horses, foreign goods, leather goods as well as ghee. In return they take back home food grains, jaggery and woolen products. They are pointers to the mercantile and cultural prosperity of the region.

Celebrating time :
The Jauljibi fair is held on the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti which falls in the month of February at Jauljibi at the meeting point of two rivers – Kali and Gori. The Thal Fair is held on Vaisakhi Sankranti which falls sometimes in the month of April at Thal.