Fairs and Festivals in Uttarakhand
Fairs and Festivals in Uttarakhand
Fairs and Festivals in Uttarakhand
Fairs and Festivals in Uttarakhand : Uttarakhand, the land of gods, is a state blessed with immense natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. The fairs and festivals of Uttarakhand showcase the vibrant culture, unique traditions, and zestful spirit of the people of the hills.
The fairs and festivals of Uttarakhand have a unique charm and attraction. They represent the true cultural essence and ethos of the people of the state. Deeply rooted in folklore, mythology, and local beliefs, these fairs and festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor.
The fairs and festivals of Uttarakhand provide a glimpse into the lifestyle, art, handicrafts, cuisine, music, and dance forms of the state. They are marked by distinct rituals, costumes, music, and dance performances. From the internationally renowned Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra to the state’s biggest fair in Bageshwar – Uttarayani Mela and the stone-throwing festival of Bagwal in Devidhura, the fairs and festivals of Uttarakhand showcase the cultural extravaganza of the state.
Major Fairs and Festivals of Uttarakhand
Here is a detailed look at some of the most popular and prominent fairs and festivals celebrated with great pomp and show in Uttarakhand:
Makar Sankranti (Uttarayani)
Where: Across Uttarakhand; Key places – Bageshwar (Uttarayani Mela), Sult (Uttarayani Fair)
When: 14 January
Makar Sankranti, known as Uttarayani in Uttarakhand, marks the transition of the sun into Makara rashi (Capricorn) and the arrival of longer and warmer days. It signifies the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days.
In Uttarakhand, Makar Sankranti holds special significance and is celebrated as a major fair Uttarayani across the state. The key celebrations are held at Bageshwar and Sult Mahadev.
The Bageshwar Uttarayani Mela is the biggest fair in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The Sult fair, known as the Mahakumbh of the hills, attracts thousands of devotees. These fairs showcase the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand.
Key Attractions:
- Local song and dance performances
- Wrestling competitions
- Shopping for woolen garments, handicrafts etc.
Ganga Dussehra
Where: Across Uttarakhand, Key place – Haridwar
When: Month of May/June
Ganga Dussehra is celebrated across Uttarakhand and is marked grandly in Haridwar. This festival celebrates the descent of holy river Ganga on earth and its blessings. As per Hindu mythology, Ganga descended from heaven during this period.
In Haridwar, the key attraction is the Ganga Aarti performed at Har Ki Pauri in the evening. Thousands gather on the ghats for the splendid Ganga Aarti and floating diyas. Several cultural programs are also organized during Ganga Dussehra in Haridwar.
Key Attractions:
- Ganga Aarti
- Cultural programs
- Floating diyas
Harela
Where: Across Uttarakhand hills
When: On Harela festival day in Month of Shravan (July-Aug)
Harela is celebrated widely across the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Celebrated on the first day of the month of Shravan, Harela marks the onset of monsoons and the new agricultural cycle.
People celebrate Harela by planting fruit and flower saplings. The festival promotes greenery and a respect for nature. Women make a paste of germinating grains and apply on their doors. The paste indicates the arrival of monsoons. People also make dishes from the fresh produce from fields and forests to celebrate nature’s bounty.
Key Attractions:
- Planting trees
- Traditional dishes made from fresh farm and forest produce
Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra
Where: Chamoli district
When: Once every 12 years
The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is one of the most spectacular festivals of Uttarakhand. It is held once every 12 years in Chamoli district. The 19-21 day long yatra involves the journey of Nanda Devi, a manifestation of Goddess Parvati, to her husband Lord Shiva’s abode at the Hemkund Sahib mountain.
The journey starts from Nauti village near Karnprayag and covers over 290 kms of rugged, mountainous terrain. Four horned sheep and a silver coated wooden palanquin lead the journey. Only the priest, and a select few can accompany the deity on the arduous trek.
The festival highlights the strong faith people have in the region’s patron goddess, Nanda Devi. Recently in 2022, after a gap of 12 years, lakhs of devotees gathered to get a glimpse of the goddess despite heavy rains and harsh weather.
Key Attractions:
- The 19-21 day long arduous journey of the goddess to Hemkund Sahib
- Lakhs of devotees gather to catch a glimpse of the goddess and seek blessings
Janopunyu
Where: Kumaon region
When: Janopunyu festival day (one day) in the month of Kartik
Janopunyu marks the change of Kharif crop’s harvesting season. On this day, people change their Janeu, the sacred thread. Women also change their wedding chain/locket called Gaanth.
The festival highlights the importance given to customs and traditions in the region. People take a holy dip, offer prayers, change their sacred thread and wedding chain/locket and celebrate the day by preparing traditional sweet and savory dishes.
Key Attractions:
- Holy dip
- Changing of sacred thread and wedding chain/locket
- Traditional dishes
Gauchar Mela
Where: Gauchar, Chamoli district
When: One week from 14th November every year
Gauchar Mela is the biggest fair in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Held annually for a week starting 14th November in Gauchar, Chamoli, it is primarily a commercial and industrial fair. However, the cultural programs are a big attraction.
The fair provides a platform for local businesses to showcase their products. From woolen garments to exotic hill produce and handicraft items, one can shop for authentic hill products at Gauchar Mela. Cultural programs like folk song and dance performances are a big hit among tourists.
Key Attractions:
- Shopping for woolens, handicrafts and exotic hill products
- Cultural programs and performances
Devidhura Mela
Where: Devidhura, Champawat district
When: Raksha Bandhan Day (Shravan Purnima)
The small hamlet of Devidhura bursts into celebrations on the day of Raksha Bandhan with its unique stone-throwing Bagwal festival. On this day, the Barahi Temple at Devidhura hosts the vibrant Devidhura Mela.
The key highlight is the Bagwal tradition where groups of young men hurl stones at each other. Despite getting injured, the men continue the fierce stone battle as it is considered auspicious. Goddess Barahi’s blessings are believed to relieve them from any pain.
The mela also hosts cultural programs, song and dance performances in the compound of the Varahi Devi temple. The temple wears a festive look with stalls selling toys, sweets and offerings to the goddess.
Key Attractions:
- Bagwal – Stone throwing tradition
- Song and dance performances
- Buzzing market at Varahi Devi temple premises
Hill Jatra
Where: Pithoragarh district
When: 15 August
Hill Jatra is celebrated on Independence Day in the villages of Pithoragarh district near the Indo-Tibet/Nepal borders. The festival promotes national integration and brotherhood among people of different communities living in the border villages.
Villagers celebrate by organizing processions singing patriotic songs and raising the tricolor national flag. Women perform cultural dances and host grand feasts. Locals also organize sports meets and village fairs.
Key Attractions:
- Patriotic processions and flag hosting
- Performances celebrating cultural integration
- Sports meets and village fairs
Bat Savitri
Where: Across Uttarakhand
When: Jyeshtha Amavasya (May/June)
In Uttarakhand, the festival of Bat Savitri is celebrated on the Amavasya (no moon day) in Jyeshtha month. Married women observe a fast on this day praying for the long lives of their husbands.
The fast is broken only after sighting the moon at night. Women then worship the banyan tree, tie threads and listen to the legend of Savitri and Satyavan. The festival highlights the immense love between a husband and a wife.
Key Attractions:
- Married women observe fast for husband’s long life
- Worship of banyan tree
- Hearing the legend of Savitri and Satyavan
Phool Dei
Where: Garhwal region
When: First day of Chaitra month (March-April)
Phool Dei heralds the arrival of the spring season in Uttarakhand. The first day of Chaitra month is celebrated as Phool Dei across the Garhwal region. People decorate a wooden stick with flowers and fruits to prepare the Phool Dei.
Groups of young girls visit every household with the Phool Dei and sing songs to awaken the families. They are treated to traditional dishes, money and gifts. The festival marks the awakening of nature and arrival of hopes, joy and new beginnings.
Key Attractions:
- Girls take Phool Dei to houses and sing awakening songs
- Exchange of festive dishes and gifts
Ghee Sankranti
Where: Garhwal region
When: First day of Magha month (January-February)
Similar to Phool Dei, Ghee Sankranti is celebrated on the first day of Magha month across Garhwal region. On this day, people prepare a Ghee lamp called Jakhiya with cotton wicks and desi ghee. Groups of young girls go home to home with the Ghee lamps singing songs and asking for ghee and gifts.
The festival promotes community bonding as everyone comes together to celebrate. Sweet dishes made of jaggery, sesame and ghee known as Til Laddus and Jaggery Kheer are prepared. The girls are treated with these dishes, money and small gifts.
Key Attractions:
- Girls roam around with Ghee lamps (Jakhiya) singing songs
- Exchange of Til Laddus, Kheer and gifts
Bhitauli
Where: Across Kumaon region
When: The day after Diwali
Bhitauli is celebrated widely across the Kumaon region on the day after Diwali. On Bhitauli, brothers visit their sisters who are invited for a ceremonial meal.
The sisters prepare special dishes and wait for their brothers. The brothers bring gifts for their sisters and the family. The festival celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
Key Attractions:
- Brothers visit their married sisters on this day
- Sisters prepare special dishes
- Exchange of gifts
Uttarayani Mela
Where: Bageshwar
When: Makar Sankranti (14 January)
The vibrant Uttarayani Mela held at Bageshwar on the occasion of Makar Sakranti deserves a special mention. It is the biggest fair in the Kumaon region and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the area.
The Bageshwar Uttarayani Mela comes alive with a range of cultural programs, commercial activities, religious rituals and local art and craft stalls. People from remote hill areas come together to celebrate Makar Sakranti.
Key Attractions:
- Song and Dance performances
- Plays and Nukkad Nataks on folk stories
- Shopping for woolens and handicrafts
Other Prominent Fairs and Festivals
Some other prominent fairs and festivals celebrated in Uttarakhand are:
Kaafal Phool Festival: Celebrated during Kaafal season (June-July) in hills to celebrate the bounties of nature
Harela Mela: Celebrated widely to mark the beginning of Shravan month and arrival of monsoons.
Khatarua: Celebrated widely on the day Padwa is celebrated in plains. Special dishes made of pumpkin, colocasia leaves etc.
Ganga Mela/Dashami: Celebrated on Dashami of Paush month. People gather on the banks of Ganga and remember the dead ancestors.
Hill Festival: Celebrated in Pithoragarh showcasing culture of hills through song, music and theater.
Shravan Mela: Celebrated in holy places like Gangotri and Badrinathji during Shravan month.
Kandali: Celebrated on the day of Krishna Janmashtami with special festive dishes and decoration.
Holi Milan: Celebrated on the eve of Holi to strengthen community ties.
Ghughutia/ Kale Kauva: Celebrated day after Diwali where crows and cows are fed.
Magh Mela: The annual Magh Mela at Uttarkashi is an important religious fair attended by thousands.
Conclusion
The fairs and festivals of Uttarakhand provide a vibrant and colorful glimpse into the culture, faith, and traditions of the hill state. The fervor and enthusiasm with which they are celebrated highlight the zest for life that the people of Uttarakhand possess.
Deeply intertwined with fascinating myths, legends and religious beliefs, these fairs and festivals promote social and community bonding. They provide a platform for people to come together beyond barriers of caste, creed or religion and celebrate life.
The fairs and festivals also act as an important marker of the changing seasons and agricultural cycles in the hills. They signify the eternal bond between humans and nature.
By promoting brotherhood, faith in traditional values, respect for nature, and preservation of culture, the fairs and festivals of Uttarakhand showcase the true essence and spirit of the Devbhoomi.
FAQs:
What do the fairs and festivals of Uttarakhand showcase?
The fairs and festivals of Uttarakhand showcase the vibrant culture, unique traditions, and zestful spirit of the people of the hills.
Which is the biggest fair in Kumaon region?
The Bageshwar Uttarayani Mela held on the occasion of Makar Sankranti is the biggest fair in the Kumaon region.
What is Bagwal tradition celebrated at Devidhura?
Bagwal is the unique stone-throwing tradition between groups of men celebrated at the Devidhura Mela on day of Raksha Bandhan.
When is Gauchar Mela celebrated?
The Gauchar Mela is celebrated annually for a week starting 14th November in Gauchar, Chamoli.
What does the Harela festival celebrate?
Harela festival marks the onset of monsoons and the new agricultural cycle in Uttarakhand hills.
