The Battle of Bagwal: Witness Kumaon's Most Mesmerizing Festival with Wildrift Adventures
- Wildrift Adventures
- Jul 31
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 11
Witness the mesmerizing clash of the clans... A Photographic Journey to the ancient fair of Devidhura, Kumaon
Are you an adventure seeker with a passion for uncovering India's hidden gems? Do you dream of immersing yourself in ancient traditions set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayas? Then prepare to mark your calendars on 8th-10th August 2025!
The Battle of Bagwal represents one of India's most extraordinary cultural village festivals in Kumaon. Where ancient traditions come alive in the picturesque hills of Uttarakhand.
Wildrift Adventures invites you to a truly unparalleled cultural spectacle: The Battle of Bagwal in Devidhura, Kumaon, Uttarakhand. This isn't just a festival; it's a vibrant journey into the heart of a timeless tradition, and our expert is your perfect guide to experiencing it.
What Makes the Battle of Bagwal So Special?
The Battle of Bagwal stands unique among India's countless festivals. Held in the compound of the Varahi Devi temple at Devidhura on the day of Raksha Bandhan, this ancient tradition brings together four distinct clans for a symbolic battle.
Two groups from different clans engage in a mock battle, hurling stones at each other while protecting themselves with large wooden shields. This age-old practice, known as Bagwal, is believed to appease the Maa Barahi Devi, the presiding deity of the Devidhura temple.
The History and Significance:
The origins of the Bagwal festival are shrouded in ancient legends, primarily linked to the Varahi Devi Temple in Devidhura. For generations, this unique ritual involved a symbolic "stone-pelting" battle between four different clans (locally known as "khams"). It was believed to be an offering of blood to appease the goddess Varahi, ensuring prosperity and warding off evil.
In addition, while the intensity of the past battles was significant, the festival has evolved. In modern times, to ensure safety and preserve the tradition, the "stones" have largely been replaced with fruits and flowers.
The Evolution: From Stones to Fruits
This ancient festival has undergone changes in modern times. In 2013, the Uttarakhand High Court stepped in and replaced the stones with flowers and fruits. In order to make the Battle of Bagwal safer while maintaining the spirit of the celebration, participants today toss fruits like apples and pears.
This transformation hasn't diminished the festival's power. The gathering of colors, tradition, and jubilation remains as vibrant as ever, creating perfect opportunities for photography enthusiasts and cultural explorers.
The Deep-Rooted History of Bagwal
Understanding the Battle of Bagwal requires diving into Kumaon's rich history. Historically, it was believed that the event would strengthen the bond between communities, and each village would come together in a shared effort to express gratitude and reverence to the goddess.
The festival represents more than entertainment. The traditional stone-throwing battle, while symbolic, represents a fight against evil forces, making it a spiritual cleansing ritual that has survived centuries.
Why Travelers Choose Wildrift Adventures for Bagwal
Your Base: The Monsoon Camp Experience
We stay at the Monsoon camp of Wildrift, the ever flowering "Camp Purple Mukteshwar". This isn't just accommodation - it's your gateway to experiencing the authentic spirit of Kumaon. Nestled in the lush monsoon landscape, Camp Purple becomes your haven between cultural adventures.
The Scenic Journey to Ancient Traditions
We drive to the ancient stone (nowadays fruit) pelting festival of Kumaon through the Himalayan ridges, valleys and jungles. This journey itself becomes part of the adventure as you traverse through pristine landscapes to reach the gathering of colors, tradition and jubilation of the people of Kumaon.
A Photographic Journey Like No Other
Experience the photogenic festivity of the clash of the clans at the battle of Bagwal. This is more than just witnessing a festival - it's a comprehensive photographic journey that captures the essence of ancient Kumaon culture in its most vibrant form.
Planning Your Bagwal Adventure with Wildrift
Best Time to Visit Battle of Bagwal
This fair is celebrated every year during Rakshabandhan that falls on the full moon day of the month of Shravan. This year in 2025, we are celebrating it in the month of August to remember the history and richness of our culture. Plan your Uttarakhand adventure around this sacred timing and witness something that carves a story to tell."
What to Expect at Camp Purple Mukteshwar
Not to miss the vibrant festive foods, ever-changing skies, fire flies, dance of the clouds, magnificent sunsets, bonfires and starry nights at camp Purple Mukteshwar.
Your camp experience includes:
Vibrant festive foods - Authentic Kumaoni cuisine prepared with local flavors and traditional recipes
Ever-changing skies - Watch the monsoon clouds paint dramatic scenes across the Himalayan canvas
Fire flies - Witness nature's own light show during magical monsoon evenings
Dance of the clouds - Experience the mesmerizing movement of clouds across mountain peaks
Magnificent sunsets - Capture breathtaking sunsets that transform the entire valley
Bonfires - Gather around warm fires sharing stories under the mountain sky
Starry nights - Sleep under crystal-clear Himalayan skies filled with countless stars
The Complete Kumaon Cultural Experience
A beautiful drive to the ancient stone pelting festival of Devidhura, through the Himalayan ridges, valleys & jungles to visit the gathering of colours, tradition and the jubilant people of Kumaon. You can also enjoy the himalayan mountain biking experience in Kumaon to enrich your travel journey.
This journey takes you through:
Winding mountain roads with panoramic valley views
Dense Himalayan forests rich with flora and fauna
Traditional Kumaoni villages showcasing local architecture
Ancient temples and sacred sites along the route
Pristine landscapes that have inspired generations of travelers
Complete Festival Experience
Thousands of people from Uttarakhand and Nepal attend this grand celebration. Thousands of people from Uttarakhand and Nepal come to visit this grand fair. You'll witness the gathering of colors, tradition, and jubilation that defines the true spirit of Kumaon.
What Makes This Festival Special for Adventure Seekers?
Cultural Immersion
The Battle of Bagwal offers deep cultural immersion. During this festival, known as Bagwal, two groups of dancing and singing people throw stones at each other, while they try to protect themselves with the help of large wooden shields. You'll witness traditional songs, dances, and the raw energy of ancestral traditions.
Unique Photography Opportunities
This festival provides photographers with unique subjects:
Traditional wooden shields and colorful attire
Intense expressions of the participants
Vibrant crowd dynamics
Ancient temple architecture
Himalayan landscape backdrop
Adventure Beyond the Festival
Located 45 kilometers from Lohaghat in Champawat district, Devidhura offers multiple adventure opportunities. The region connects you with Jim Corbett country and provides access to pristine Himalayan wilderness.
How Wildrift Enhances Your Bagwal Experience
Expert Local Guides
Our experienced guides understand the cultural significance of every ritual. They'll help you navigate the festival respectfully while ensuring you don't miss any important moments.
Comfortable Accommodation
Camp Purple Mukteshwar provides the perfect base for your adventure. Experience monsoon magic in the Himalayas with comfortable amenities and authentic local hospitality.
Photography Support
Our team understands the importance of capturing these rare cultural moments. We'll position you for the best shots while ensuring you remain respectful observers of this sacred tradition.
Complete Logistics
From transportation through Himalayan roads to meals featuring local cuisine, Wildrift handles every detail. Focus on experiencing the festival while we manage the practicalities.
Book Your Battle of Bagwal Adventure
The Battle of Bagwal represents one of the unique festivals of Kumaon, Uttarakhand. This ancient festival combines spiritual significance, cultural richness, and visual spectacle in ways few other celebrations can match. Those who love village tours must visit and experience unique journeys with friends, family or solo.
We drive to the ancient stone (nowadays fruit) pelting festival of Kumaon through the Himalayan ridges, valleys & jungles to visit the gathering of colours, tradition and the jubilant people of Kumaon.
Join us to embark on this extraordinary cultural odyssey? Don't miss the chance to witness The Battle of Bagwal in Devidhura, Kumaon.
Event Dates: 8-10 August 2025z
Book your Kumaon festival adventure today and become part of this ancient tradition that showcases the true spirit of Uttarakhand's cultural heritage.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Bagwal Festival in Uttarakhand?
Ans: Bagwal is an old ceremonial celebration held at the Maa Barahi Devi Temple in Devidhura, Uttarakhand. Historically, two tribes would fight with stones to honor the deity. Fruit-throwing has taken its place as a safety measure.
Q2. When is the Bagwal Festival celebrated?
Every year on the occasion of Rakshabandhan , Battle of Bagwal village festival is celebrated with thousands or local community and travelers.
Q3. How does Wildrift Adventures enhance the Bagwal Festival experience?
Ans: Wildrift is an eco tour agency in Uttarakhand, offers curated experiences including organic camp stays, local cuisine, guided storytelling, and a chance to immerse yourself in Kumaoni culture during the festival.
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