Bagwali Pokhar

Bagwali Pokhar (बग्वाली पोखर) lies in the Dwarahat (द्वाराहाट) block of Almora district in Uttarakhand, approximately 367 km from Delhi, and is situated at an elevation of around 1600 meters. It’s not on many travel wish lists. But once a year, it lights up with an old tradition that brings the region’s culture back to life.

The Fair That Brings People Together

Each autumn, on Yam Dutiya (याम दतिया) or Bhai Dooj (भाई दूज), villagers collect for the Bagwali Pokhar truthful (बग्वाली पोखर मेला). The timing varies; however, it typically falls in October or November.

Far from commercial, this fair lives and breathes local culture. Drum beats and conch shells ring through the air. Community dances rise after offerings are made. The energy comes from the people standing together. Not flashy stalls, but lively and earthy traditions.

Legend links this spot to the epic tales of the Mahabharata (महाभारत). They say the Kauravas (कौरव) passed through here during their exile while chasing the Pandavas (पांडव). That old story gave birth to a tradition of gambling, though that part has mostly faded now.

These days, the event lasts a few days. Folks come from nearby villages to watch folk dances like Sarankar (सारणकर). They gather around makeshift stages. Songs swell through the night. The fair echoes a time when such gatherings brought people together under one sky.

Where It Sits on the Map

Bagwali Pokhar is located at the Kainrena (कैरेना) to Karnaprayag avenue, between Machkhali (मक्खलि) and Dwarahat. You’ll discover it more or less at 29.75 degrees north and 79.49 degrees east.  The local pin code is 263621.

This area sits high and quiet, surrounded by pine woods and sloping terraces. It’s easy to drive through without knowing its name until the fair wakes it up.

What You’ll Find Year-Round

Outside fair season, Bagwali Pokhar is calm.

• A few schools, including government and private options.
• A post office, a branch of SBI, and basic banking facilities
• A fuel station by the highway.
• A small eatery for local fare and shelter for travelers.

It has what a village needs. It doesn’t try for more. But when the fair comes, that’s when the place pauses and breathes.

How the Fair Works

There is no big stage or fencing. The fair sets up in the open.

• A central podium hosts offering rituals like oda, drums, and conches.
• Groups of folk dancers perform, with Sarankar being the standout.
• People gather from villages around, sharing songs, stories, and food.
• In the past, gambling was common, but that tradition has mostly faded.

It feels real and alive, pulling you into a rhythm that belongs more to the past than the present.

Culture That Still Lives

What stands out is how local culture comes through in every part of the fair.

• Music and dance are not performed; they are expressions.
• Rituals connect people with ancestors and ancient stories.
• Food and shared meals create space for everyone to belong.
• Songs and steps are passed down in the open, not in a classroom.

There is no stage show feel. This is tradition, lived out loud.

How to Reach Bagwali Pokhar

1. By road: The village sits on the Machkhali to Dwarahat highway. Buses and shared jeeps pass through frequently.
2. By train: The nearest station is Kathgodam, about a hundred to a hundred and forty km away.
3. By air: Pantnagar airport is around one hundred thirty to one hundred and seventy km away.

Roads are possible most of the year. During the monsoon, expect a few tough patches. The fair happens after the rains, so conditions are usually better.

Best Time to Visit

• The Bagwali Pokhar is the first-class cause to visit, generally in October or November.
• The relaxation of the 12 months is quieter and better for folks who need a peaceful hillside retreat.
• Avoid heavy monsoon months in case you plan to travel by way of road.
• Winters after December can get cold, mainly at night.

Nearby Stops Worth Considering

If you're within the area, find time for:

• Dwarahat for its old temples and calm streets.
• Almora for market strolls and local food.
• Kasar Devi, Binsar, or Jageshwar, if you want to add nature and heritage to your trip.

 Also, try taking a short walk beyond the village roads. That’s where this region speaks.

    Tips for Visitors

1. Come with open ears. There are no loudspeakers, just rhythm and tradition.
2. Keep your stay simple. Local homestays or guesthouses in Almora will do the trick.
3. Dress comfortably and respectfully. This is a community celebration.
4. Carry some snacks and water. The fair has stalls, but off-season options are limited.
5. If you can, talk to locals. They are the first-rate part of the revel.

Final Thoughts

Bagwali Pokhar is not constructed for travelers. That’s why it feels so actual. Once a year, the truthful fills the air with drumbeats, chants, and laughter. With the relaxation of time, the village is returning to what it does best, residing quietly with the hills.

If you want to see Kumaoni culture in motion and not as a show, time your visit around the fair. If not, it still makes a peaceful stop in your Almora journey.