**Uttarakhand Chief Minister Attends Historic Bagwal Mela at Maa Barahi Dham**
*Champawat, Uttarakhand – 28 August 2026* – Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami arrived by helicopter on Friday to take part in the Bagwal Mela held at the Maa Barahi Dham shrine in Devidhura, Champawat district. The event coincided with the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan and was described by the chief minister as a “living symbol of faith, folk culture, community participation and brotherhood.”
Dhami was received at the Devidhura helipad by Cabinet Minister Ram Singh Kaida, District Magistrate Manish Kumar, Superintendent of Police Rekha Yadav and other local officials. A traditional Chholiya folk‑dance performance marked his welcome. The chief minister offered prayers at the Shakti Peeth of Maa Barahi Devi and extended Raksha Bandhan greetings to the people of Uttarakhand, stating, “Maa Barahi Maiya should continue to shower her blessings on everyone.”
During his remarks, Dhami highlighted the state government’s commitment to preserving cultural and religious heritage while pursuing broader development. He noted that the administration is integrating historical and religious sites into its development agenda through the “Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission.” Ongoing projects at the Devidhura complex include:
* Construction of the Garhwal Kham Bhawan (₹4.27 crore)
* Reconstruction of the Rankochi Temple (₹4.57 crore)
* Beautification of the Ghatotkach Temple, Ghatku Hidimba Temple, and a bathing ghat at the Sapteshwar Mahadev Temple
* Completion of the Ladhoundhura fairground upgrades
Additional infrastructure work cited by the chief minister comprises road surfacing on the Ghatotkach‑Jhalimali Temple route (₹1.95 crore), temple‑area beautification (₹4.70 crore), and a street‑lighting project on the Purnagiri route (₹5 crore). Over the past five years, the government has completed 397 religious‑infrastructure projects at a total cost of ₹68.58 crore.
Dhami announced that Devidhura will be upgraded to a Nagar Panchayat and that a multi‑level parking facility, estimated at ₹9.80 crore, will be constructed. He also declared the Bagwal Mela a State Fair, citing the move as a means to enhance the event’s profile and logistical support.
The chief minister emphasized the role of religious tourism in boosting the local economy and creating employment opportunities. “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” – development alongside heritage – was reiterated as a guiding principle.
The festival’s centerpiece, the Bagwal, featured participants from the four traditional “Khams” – Valik (white), Chamyal (pink), Gahadwal (saffron)
Article and image source: newzealandstar.com
