Jatra fair of buffalo breeders concluded at Kawalia Peak

The Jatra fair, celebrated by buffalo herders at the picturesque peak of Kawalia in Mashobra block, concluded today with the traditional worship of the Kawalia deity. Besides the buffalo herders, hundreds of people from Gram Panchayat Peeran and Satlai received the deity’s blessings and enjoyed the feast. On this occasion, buffalo milk kheer is prepared as a special offering.

The Kawalia temple, situated at an altitude of about eight thousand feet above sea level, has been a center of faith for the region’s buffalo herders since ancient times. Every year during the month of Bhadra, the Kawalia deity’s jatar is taken out at an auspicious time. According to the deity’s priest, Jabar Singh, buffalo herders from the Peeran and Kawalia panchayats camp here with their buffaloes for six months. After Dussehra, as winter approaches, they return to their homes. By the grace of the deity, the animals are protected from violent animals and epidemics.

Jabar Singh Thakur mentioned that his ancestors have been living in a camp in Kawalia with their buffaloes for generations. The animals roam freely in the open forest, and the herders have built temporary grass houses for their stay. Interestingly, it is forbidden to install doors in these temporary sheds, and by the deity’s grace, there is no fear of theft.

Former Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Peeran, Atar Singh Thakur, highlighted the natural beauty of Kawalia Peak. He suggested that with the development of basic facilities, this place could become a famous tourist destination in the state. Tourists can enjoy the unique beauty of nature, the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas, and the plains. Kawalia Peak is about 20 kilometers from the tourist spots Chail and Kufri. Visitors can reach Kawalia Peak by vehicle from Koti to Pajouli Valley and then walk for about two kilometers.