Rung women at Gabla Dev Mela bring Darma Valley villages together in a traditional celebration

Gabla Dev Mela, also known as Hya Gabla Dev Mahotsav, is a cultural and religious festival associated with the Shauka (Rung) communities of Darma Valley in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand. Known as the “18 Villages Fair,” the annual celebration brings together people from settlements across the high-altitude valley. The main festivities are held in Dantu Village, with participation from nearby villages including Baling, Go, Dugtu, Marcha, Sela, Chal, Tidang, Filam and Saun. The multi-day festival features traditional cultural activities and community gatherings that reflect the heritage and customs of the Rung people. The event provides a setting for communities from different villages to come together and celebrate their shared cultural traditions.