Bunkhal Kalinga Mela is a famous fair celebrated at Bunkhal in
Pauri Garhwal District of
Uttaranchal. This event is held during the ‘Shukla Paksh’ (bright half) in the Hindu month of Margashirsh (November-December). It is dedicated to Goddess Kalinga.
Thousands of devotees throng to the temple dedicated to Goddess Kalinga, on the occasion of the Bunkhal Kalinga Mela. It is a belief among the local population that if a person prays to the goddess his/her wish will be fulfilled. Once the wish is fulfilled, the person must offer a sacrifice of a buffalo or goat. This fair is the occasion when the devotees offer the sacrifice of buffaloes and goats as a mark of their devotion.
