Dehradun, July 22, 2013: Amid ruins of modern and luxurious tourist infrastructure in some parts of Uttarakhand due to natural calamity, cultural and religious occasions which give a special identity to the hill State, still come as a ray of hope to revive the tourism sector that plays a significant role in its economy, for the State Government which is now battling hard to dispel the notion that the Himalayan State is not safe for travelling.

The Jageshwar Sharavani fair has already began at the Jageshwar Dham in Almora. The interesting fact is that not only the devotees and tourists from the domestic sector, but also from different States and abroad visit the month-long Jageshwar Sharavani fair in huge numbers every year.According to the religious scholars, being one of the 12 ‘Jyotirlingas’ of Lord Shiva, the importance of the Jageshwar Temple in Almora is huge among devotees.

The interesting fact is that the fair is organised at the said Jageshwar Dham twice in a year i.e., first on the occasion of Shivratri in February/March and secondly in July, giving an opportunity to attract a large number of tourists.After completion of this Jageshwar Sharavani fair, the historic Nanda Rajjat Yatra from Almora is also in the offing from next month in which again a large of devotees and tourists take part. As officials concerned have informed, the local district administration has already started making necessary preparations to ensure successful completion of the aforesaid annual religious event — the Nanda Rajjat Yatra.

At the same, the Bagwal Mela of Champawat’s Devidhura is not less attracting for the people from across the globe which is organised on the occasion of Rakshbandhan every year during the same rainy season.The Rakshabandhan is being organised on August 21 this year. Maintaining its religious fervour, the Bagwal Mela is still popular among the people particularly for its unique show -- stone-pelting by two rival groups at each other to mark this occasion in which most of the participants are seriously injured.

Yet this traditional ritual also comes as more adventurous for visitors who come in large numbers from different parts of the country and abroad to witness this event every year.Meanwhile, the Jauljibi fair at the confluence of the Kali and Gori rivers at Jauljibi located along the border with Nepal in Pithoragarh which is organised on the occasion of Makar Sankranti every year is also a confluence of three important cultures including the Kumaoni, Bhotiya and Nepali cultures (because Nepalese from across the border also visit it).

Apart from being manifestation of three cultures, the Jauljibi fair also comes as an occasion for local traders to dispose off their not only locally grown agri-produce, but also handicraft items and traditional objects particularly woolen clothes. ‘Kaleen’ woven by the Bhotiyas are still widely popular. Besides, the Gautchar fair at Gauchar on November 14 and the Jhanda Mela in Dehradun and  the Purnagiri fair which coincide with the Holy celebrations are not less attractive among the people adding to the tourism activities.

Meanwhile, the State tourism department has already started wooing the tourists, assuring them that the mountain State is still a favourable tourist destination. A majority of the tourist spots across the State are still safe. There is no any adverse impact of the natural calamity in these areas both in Kumaon an Garhwal regions like Nainital, Ranikhet, Mussoorie, to name a few and the tourists must visit these places, said AK Dwivedi, Joint Director, Tourism Development Council (TDC), Dehradun, while talking to The Pioneer.

“More so, we have also urged the Government to grant concessions on luxury, entertainment and service taxes so that the tour packages for the visitor could be made attractive,” he added.

Source: The Pioneer, DT. July 22, 2013.