Author Topic: Bikhoti Mela Dwarahat,Uttarakhand- बिखोती मेला, द्वाराहाट उत्तराखंड  (Read 40718 times)

Bhishma Kukreti

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Festivals of Uttarakhand
Festivals of India
Himalayan Festivals
Festivals of Garhwal
Memoir of Bikhot (Baisakhi) an Important festival of Uttarakhand
(Bikhot, Baisakhi, Baisakhi as Jwalamukhi, Baisakhi as Sury Pooja, Rangoli Bihu, Naba Barsha,Puthandu, Vishu, Pana Sankranti, Maha Bishuba Sankranti,)
Bhishma Kukreti
As in Indian people, Uttarakhandis celebrate festivals with same zeal and same joy. There are festivals, which are celebrated as other Indians do as Deepavali, Rakhsabandhan,Dashhera,Holi.There are some festivals, which are localized as makar Sankranti, Gudi padiva, and Baisakhi.
Bikhot or commonly called Baisakhi come on first day of Baisakh month. Baisakhi or Bikhot is the Solar New Year (Surya Sambatsar ka Pratham Divas) .of Hindus. Every community celeberates Bikhot with different name. Sikhs, Punjabi, North Indians call Bikhot as Baisakhi. Himachali celebrate Bikhot or Baisakhi by worshipping Jwalamukhi goddess , which is the symbol of Fire or heat. In Bihar, the people honour Sury Devta (Sun God) Asamese caal to Bikhot (Biasakhi) as Rangoli Bihu, Bengali call Bikhot as Naba Barsh or Pahela Boishakh and Tamilian call Bikhot as Puthandu (Tamil New Year),. The Oriya people call Bikhot (Biasakhi) as Maha Bisuba Samkranti or Pana Amkranti , while, Keralites call Bikhot (Baisakhi) as Vishu. Sinhali of Shri Lankka celebrate the Bikhot (Baisakhi) as New Year.
Uttarakhandis celebrate Bikhot ( Baisakhi) as the sign of beginning of summer . Bikhot is the last day of putting flowers by unmarried girls on both the outside corners of the doors of house in Uttarakhand, which used to start from first day of Chita month . This day is also the end of Geeton ka Mahina or month of song (Chita, when in night, the villagers sing and dance ) .
People prepare many types of Pakwan and distribute on this auspicious day as they prepare in Deepavali or Makar sonorant.
People take auspicious dip in Ganges, Bhagirathi or Alaknanda on Bikhot .In Gangasalan, people visit the auspicious places at the bank of Ganges as Vyaschatti, Mahadve Chatti, Bandarbhel, Phool Chatti, Rishikesh, Haridwar or visit to Dev Prayag on this very auspicious day .
When I was thirteen years old (1965 Ad) , I visited Vyaschatti -the meeting place of Nayar (very valuable river of Pauri Garhwal) with reverend river Ganges. It is also said that sage Vyas did Tapasya here and did meet the God here near bank of Ganges. Vyaschatti lies in Banelsyun and we may say that this place is connecting place for the people of Banelsyun, Dhangu, Maniyarsyun, Langur Pattis of Gangasalan .
My village Jaspur (Malla Dhangu ) is eight or nine miles away from Vyaschatti and while going from village we have to go down and while coming from Vyaschatti we have to walk on ascent.
If Jaspur fellows have to go Vyaschatti for the fair of Bikhot, they have to go on Sekh ( end of Chit month) . I remember along with ten or twelve children of my age we were around thirty forty people of Jaspur who were visiting Vyaschatti on that day. My tuji gave me ten rupees and he also gave thirty rupees to my younger sister who was supposed to take care purchases. (On that time forty rupees were big amount) . All villagers were having Puri, Pakodi tied in cloth bag and this food was for the night and next day too. The villagers started journey around two O clock. Watches were not common on that time. Hence, the shadow of sun on some specific places, villages or place of sun was the only source of knowing the time.
On the way to Vyaschatti , we were meeting people from other villages and Pattis as Dabralsyun Langur etc. We also met many of relatives of other villages on the way and this meeting relatives or family friends was making the day very special. Whenevr, a married daughter of our village met she used to weep ( I think it was a custom ) . We also met our school friends who were also going Vyaschatti fair.
Each villagers were with their Das (drum players) and das were playing the drum (Dhol and Damau). Many Jagris were also visiting Vyaschatti with their Damru and Thali . Whoever, there was plan places the Das used to play the tone of Pandon and people used to dance on the tune of Pandaun. Every where, there was joy, happiness, enthusiasm in the atmosphere.
Joyfully, we reached to Vyaschatti just before the sun set. Since, there was no electricity there, it was mandatory that we take dip of last day of Chait (Sekh ko Nayan) in the Ganges . Ver fast and carefully, we took dip in the Ganges .The Patromax lanterns were only source of light. Most of villagers of a village brought Patromax lantern with them and there was light everywhere. The shopkeepers were with Gas (Patromax lamp) on the street. As on now, I just remember, “ Joy, dance, singing of that night of Vyaschatti. :.
After taking dip in the Ganges, we paid visit to a temple and also worshipped before the smal statue of sage Vyas .
There was no hotel in Vyaschatti at that time and thousands of people used to take shelter in side the ‘Baba kamli wale ki Dharm Shala’. We all children were roaming around the three streets of Vyaschatti. There were many activities whole night in Vyaschatti. Some were dancing Pandon, Some were busy meeting their relatives, many young people were also busy in teasing women and there were incidents of beating the teasers. There were Baki who were telling the Bak (telling future). The Jagris were busy in Ghadelas . Many pundits were busy in worshiping ‘Chhaya’ on some women . Badi Badans of each areas were also there. People were enjoying the dance and singing of Badi Badans 9a dancing and singing community) too . The Badi -Badan were getting rewards from the piligrims according to their calibers of sing and dancing.. Many were busy in purchasing whatever they like. It was also best place to meet relatives and people were meeting the relatives of other villagers came to fair. There was talk of eligible bachelors among elders too.
We saw pilgrims from Maharashtra, Tamilnadu and Bengal or from many places from India
late night, we came to Dharmshala and slept on the bare floor . The Dharm shala was jam packed.
Early morning, our elders took us to take dip into Ganges. We took the dip came to the place where Silsu Devta ki Palki had come from Danda ka dev sStahl Banelsyun.we worshipped Silsu Devta
After taking breakfast (which we brought with us from our house) we roamed in the Bazar full of people only. We once again went two three times to take dips in the ganges. We children were also afraid of sound of Ganges and the meeting place of Nayar river with Ganges. In each children teams, the elders were their to take care that children don’t go far from bank of ganges.
From sun rising the dancing teams of nearby villages started to come to vyaschatti. They were with their das and were dancing Pandon while walking. I remember to cont around twenty teams reached to Vyaschatti from nearby villages of Banelsyun, Maniyarsyun and Talla Dhangu.
In between, people were busy purchasing the items of their choice and eating Jalebi etc.
Many of us stayed back there or went to Silsu village and they were supposed to go and worship Danda ka Nagraja another day.
We started our journey back around three and we reached our village in the early night .
I shall always remember this fair for my whole life which tells me what is joy, what is happiness, what is society, what is togetherness, what is belief on god/goddess, what is mythology and what is collective joy.
Copyright @ Bhishma Kukreti, Mumbai, India, 2010

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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Our Senior Member D N Badola Ji has provided this information.
==============================

Syale-Bikhauti fair of Dwarahat



Dwarahat is a place important from the archaeological point of view. Five Km. from Dwarahat is Vimandeshwar, which is also called Brahmandeshwar is the place for this important Fair. It is hardly 5 Kms. away from Dwarahat, whereas Dwarahat is hardly 37 Kms. from Ranikhet on Ranikhet Karnaprayag Marg.  Every year in the last Gate of Chaitra month, this fair is held at Vimandeshwar in the night. In the Fair Lord Shiva is worshipped. This is called Bikhauti fair. A fair is also held at Dwarahat Bazar, on the first Gate of Vaishakh month. This is called Syalde Fair. Thus both the Fairs combined are called the Syalde Bikhauti Fair. It is also called the Dwrain Fair. The Fairs are held on Ist Gate (14) April Called Chhoti Syalde and Vaisakh 2 and 3 gate (April 15 & 16) called Badi Syalde.

The month of Chaitra is the month of Folk dances People dance throughout the month and they sing the folk songs of Kumaon. Such folk songs, like ‘O Bhina Kaskai janu Durhata” ‘O Brother-in-law (Jija), how to go to Dwarahat fair’. The Fair is ordinarily held at the house of the village Pradhan.



The Syalde-Bikhauti fair has a history which dates back to 14th century. In the 14th century the fair started during the regime of Katyuri Kings. It is said that once two groups started fighting while worshipping Maa Seetala Devi. The defeated Group’ Chief’s head was chopped off by the winners. The head was dumped in the earth. The place where the head was dumped has an Ora (stone) as the remembrance. People throng around the stone called Ora. People come to Ora stone fight from the morning to evening. They hit the Ora (stone) with Dandas.  (Logs).This  is called  Ora Bhaitna. Latter for the sake of convenience the villages were devided in three groups, called Aal, Garakh and Naujyula People come to meet the Ora (stone) from the noon. These three groups come in different attires with Dhol-Nagre, Ransing and Flag (Dhwaja). The Aal group comes from the central street of old Dwartahat market, whereas the Garakh and Naujyula groups come from a different way.  The chief of the different groups ordinarily is a Thokdar.  Since Syalde fare is connected with Sheetla Maa people come to Dwarahat to visit Sheetla Pushkar lake, which has now dried up and is situated at the heart of the city. Once upon a time this was a beautiful Lake and used to be covered by lotus flowers. On the first day of Syalde fair, the Baat pujai  (worshipping ), is done by Naujyuula group. After prayers and worshipping of Seetla Devi the Fair starts and a Bagwal is held.

The fair attracts large crowds. The non-resident Doriyals (residents of Dwarahat) also come to witness the fair. Jhora and Bhagnaul are sung at this occasion, for which artists start coming to Dwarahat. Villagers sing songs of prayer to the gods. The Fair is also called ‘Darre ka Mela’

The specialty of the fair is Jalebi, (Sweet) which is sold in a big way. The Syalde Bikhauti fair has been successful in retaining its old colour and gaity to a large extent. (D.N.Barola)

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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from   Himanshu Dutt <himanshudutt@gmail.com>
to   PauriGarhwal@yahoogroups.com,
M S Mehta <msmehta@merapahad.com>
date   Tue, Apr 26, 2011 at 5:35 PM
subject   Re: [PGGroup] Exclusive Photos of Bikhoti Mela, Dwarahat 2011
mailed-by   gmail.com
signed-by   gmail.com
   
hide details 5:35 PM (4 hours ago)
   
Mehta Ji,
I didnt knew about Bikhoti Mela, and because of your mail and Mera Pahad portal i've been able to get the feel of it. I remember earlier people shared about Kalinga Mela as well though no pics. Infact there are many such events which i'm not all of us have seen or heard of. Its good to see some members  like Mehta Ji are bringing to us such things, that has somewhere linked us to our roots.
 
I appreciate the work done. Thanks Mehta Ji!
 
Himanshu

On 26 April 2011 16:02, Suresh Sati <sureshsati@yahoo.com> wrote:

     

    Dear Shri Mehta Ji,
     
    Thanks a lot for uploading most touching photographs of Bikhoti Mela.  It has refreshed our childhood memory when we used to attend the Mela.
     
    Hope in future you would also update us with such live exclusives.
     
    Thnx & regds
    Suresh Sati

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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घुघूती बासुतीabout an hour ago On your profile ·
स्याल्दे बिखोती मेले के समापन अवसर पर रंगारंग कार्यक्रम पेश करते कलाका

एम.एस. मेहता /M S Mehta 9910532720

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This is the news of Bikhoti Mela 2013.

द्वाराहाट : पांच दिनों तक चलने वाले ऐतिहासिक स्याल्दे-बिखोती मेले का आज विभांडेश्वर में शिव पूजन व झोड़ों के साथ आगाज हो गया है। मेला मध्यरात्रि से परवान चढ़कर रविवार की प्रात: तक चलेगा। बिखोती मेले की शुरूआत रणा के लोगों द्वारा नगाड़े-निशानों के साथ भगवान शिव के झोड़ा गायन के साथ किया गया।

ग्रामीणों ने शिव पूजन के साथ जय शिवा शंकर हो शिवा, जय शिवशंकर कैलाश वासी.. आदि झोड़े प्रस्तुत किए। उसके बाद मेले का औपचारिक उद्घाटन मेला समिति उपाध्यक्ष हेम रावत व जगदीश बुधानी, मेलाधिकारी पंकज उपाध्याय, पं.पूरन पुजारी आदि ने संयुक्त रूप से दीप प्रज्वलित कर किया। राजकीय जूनियर हाईस्कूल रणा के बच्चों ने सांस्कृतिक कार्यक्रम प्रस्तुत किए। जिसमें आस्था शिवा समिति ने भी अपना सहयोग दिया। इस मौके पर विधायक मदन बिष्ट भी पहुंचे। उन्होंने सभी स्याल्दे-बिखोती मेले की शुभकामना दी। बिखोती मेला मध्य रात्रि से रविवार की प्रात: तक चलेगा। जिसमें द्वाराहाट व भिकियासैंण विकासखण्डों के कई गांवों के लोग नगाड़े-निशानों के साथ शिरकत करेंगे।

रविवार की प्रात: भगवान शिव, सती पादुका व अन्य मंदिरों की पूजा-अर्चना के बाद दिन में द्वाराहाट में बटपूजै का मेले में शामिल होंगे। जिसमें नौज्यूला धड़े के लोग ओड़ा भेंटने की रश्म अदायगी करेंगे, जबकि मुख्य स्याल्दे मेले के दिन आल धड़ा पहले, उसके बाद गरख धड़ा ओड़ा भेंटने की रश्म अदायगी करेंगे। (Source Dainik Jagran)

विनोद सिंह गढ़िया

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[justify]स्याल्दे बिखौती

बैसाखी भारत के सभी राज्यों में अलग-अलग नाम से मनाई जाती है। हमारे उत्तराखंड में बैसाखी "बिखौती" के नाम से जानी जाती है। उत्तराखंड में हर एक संक्रांति को कोई मेला या त्यौहार होता है। बैसाख के महीने की संक्रांति को विषुवत संक्रांति के नाम से जाना जाता है। इस दिन कुमाऊं में स्याल्दे बिखोती का मेला लगता है। वैसे तो बिखोती को संगमों पर नहाने का भी रिवाज है।  लोग बागेश्वर, जागेश्वर आदि संगमों पर नहाने जाते हैं।  इस दिन इन संगमों पर भी अच्छा खासा मेला लग जाता है।  इस दिन तिलों से नहाने का भी रिवाज है।  तिल पवित्र होते हैं और हवन यज्ञ में प्रयोग होते हैं।  कहते हैं कि साल भर में जो विष हमारे शरीर में जमा हुआ होता है इस दिन तिलों से नहाने पर वह विष झड़ जाता है। 
कुमाऊं में यह मेला द्वाराहाट में लगता है जो रानीखेत से २८ कि: मी: कि दूरी पर है।  द्वाराहाट में पांडवों के ज़माने के कई मंदिर है, जो सभी पास पास हैं। इन मंदिर समूहों के बीच में एक पोखर (ताल ) भी है जहाँ यह मेला लगता है। इस मेले में भोट,नेपाल आदि जगहों से भी लोग आते हैं। यह मेला व्यापारिक  दृष्टि से भी काफी मशहूर है।  लोगों को यहाँ पर अपनी जरुरत कि चीजों को खरीदने का मौका मिलता है।
इस मेले में लोगों को अपनी कला का प्रदर्शन दिखने का भी अच्छा मौका मिलता है। नए कलाकार यहाँ आकर अपनी रचनाओं को गा गा कर सुनाते हैं, इस से लोगों का भी मनोरंजन हो जाता है।  इस मेले में कई मशहूर कलाकार भी अपनी कला का प्रदर्शन कर के लोगों का मन मोह लेते हैं। इस सबंध में कुमाऊं के मशहूर गायक स्व० गोपाल बाबू गोस्वामी ने एक गीत गया है जिस के बोल इस तरह हैं-

अलघतै बिखौती मेरी दुर्गा हरे गे। सार कौतिका चाने मेरी कमरा पटे गे।

भाव:-इस बिखोती में मेरी दुर्गा खो गई है, सारे मेले में ढूढ़ते मेरी कमर थक गई है।

एक और गायक ने गाया है।

हिट साईं कौतिक जानूं द्वाराहटा। ओ भीना कसिका जानू द्वाराहटा।

भाव:-जीजा अपनी साली से मेले में चलने को कहता है पर साली अपनी मज़बूरी जताती है कैसे जाऊं मेले में।

द्वाराहाट वैसे तो रानीखेत तहसील का एक छोटा सा क़स्बा है।  यहाँ पर डिग्री कालेज है, पॉलिटेक्निक है और इंजीनियरिग कालेज भी है।  यहाँ से मात्र ६ कि. मी. की दूरी पर माता दूनागिरी जी का प्रसिद्द मंदिर है। जो दूनागिरी पर्वत पर विराजमान है। कहते हैं कि इस द्रोणागिरी पर्वत पर अभी भी संजीवनी बूटी मिलती है परन्तु उसे ढूंढने के लिए कोई सुसैण वैद्य चाहिए।

लेख - श्री ख्याली राम जोशी

 

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