Jauljibi Fair of Pithoragarh District
Jauljibi fair was started by the Pal Kings of Askot for the entertainment of the local people. The King of Askot himself used to participate and supervise the Fair. The fair could not be held for some years, but the local people decided to revive the Fair once again. The Fair is held on the confluence of Kali and Gori River on the border of India and Nepal and of three cultures i.e. Shak (Shauka), Rang and Nepal. Jauljibi fair is held on the occasion of Makar Sankranti from 14 November to 22 November every year. It is primarily a trade fair. The place is some 68 Km. from Pithoragarh. People from far-off places, even from Nepal, come to this fair for selling horses, food grains and foreign goods. It turns into a lively fairground annually. In the fair Bhotiya tribes use to sell their woolen articles. A hanging rope bridge across Kali links this place to Nepal. From Jauljibi. The tribal country of the district begins. In the past the Fair was famous for Jumilee horses. The trading of horses used to be the main purpose of this Fair. The horses used to be tested by horse racing. The load bearing capacity of a horse also used to be tested and the price of a horse used to be quoted on the basis of racing capability and load bearing capacity.
After Independence and latter with the establishment of Pithoragarh District the fair again started with active cooperation of the local administration. Now the people want to bring back the cultural heritage through this fair. The people also want to restore the commercial importance of this fair. The fair is full of cultural programmes. Even people from Nepal visit this fair. The main function is held on 17 November every year. On this auspicious day people take bath in the confluence of Kali and Gori River and then perform Puja in the Jwaleshwar Mahadev Temple.
Thal Fair, a similar fair as that of Jauljibi, is held at Thal (Pithoragarh), on the occasion of Vaishakh Sankranti (14th April). Thousands of Shaukas gather from far and near for this fair.
