This fair takes place every year in the months of April-May in the town of Dwarahat (Almora). This Syalde Bikhauti Mela takes place in two phases, the first in the Vimandeshwar Temple and the second in the Dwarahat market. During the mela, you can see folk dances and songs with traditional foliage decorated by people gathered together. An significant practice, ‘Oda Bhetna,’ is the striking of a stone (Oda).
According to a legend, in ancient times people would worship their god in a temple nearby, and due to some tension between the members of the two sects, a battle broke out that led to bloodshed. The leader of the group who lost the fight was beheaded, and a stone (Oda) was put near it to honour the fallen king.
The various customs on show and the lip-smacking Indian delicacy of ‘Jalebi’ is an integral part of the fair.
The Syalde Bikhauti Mela is one of cultural convergence .