Unique traditions of Uttarakhand. Dudhgadu Fair, Uttarkashi

Gendua Mela is a unique festival and fair held in Mori in Uttarkashi. People from about 24 villages of Purola’s Singtur and Panchgai pattis participate in this fair. The fair is held in memory of the Mahabharata  (war) and involves the playing of a ball game between people of the Pansai and Sathi regions  who represent the Pandavas and Kauravas respectively.The match is held in the Dewara or Maichwana villages on the day of Makar Sankranti, 14th January.A special leather-ball is made & colored using herbs  for the event. This ball is then taken across Singhtur Patti & every house gives a handful of rice in a bag, which is then kept at Karna’s temple. It is widely believed that King Karna owned this region & he started this fair.Both groups reach the ground amidst the sounds and beats of dhols and nagadas played by their supporters. The game is started by the temple priest  by tossing the ball between them. Both groups try to take the ball to their side. The side that succeeds the maximum times in 3 rounds is declared as the winner.The rice gathered while taking the ball to each house, is then cooked & served as Prasad to all.*  The exact dates of the festival depend upon the Hindu Calendar.