Last Updated At: 20-Mar-2024
Close your eyes and imagine yourself amidst the mighty Himalayas, breathing in the crisp mountain air and listening to the sound of the gurgling rivers. As you take in the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings, you suddenly hear the sound of drumbeats and bells ringing in the distance. You follow the sound, and before you know it, you are amid a vibrant festival. This is Uttarakhand, a land where festivals are not just celebrations but a way of life.
From the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, a massive gathering of Hindu pilgrims, to the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, a centuries-old trek to the Nanda Devi mountain peak, numerous festivals in Uttarakhand offer a unique glimpse into the state's rich history and culture.
So, join us as we explore Uttarakhand's vibrant culture and traditions through these 17 festivals. From the mountains to the plains, from the temples to the fields, each festival in Uttarakhand offers a glimpse into the deep-rooted traditions and values that define this enchanting state. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey of discovery through the joyous celebrations of 17 festivals in Uttarakhand.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience Uttarakhand, India's vibrant and colourful festivals? This northern state is a hub of cultural celebrations steeped in tradition and history. Here, we bring you a well-curated list of 17 of the main festivals of Uttarakhand and provide a brief overview of each one. So, are you ready to explore the cultural richness of Uttarakhand through its festivals?
Kumbh Mela is a grand festival that attracts pilgrims from across the globe to the holy city of Haridwar. The festival's long and fascinating history dates back to ancient times. According to Hindu mythology, the festival commemorates the churning of the ocean by the gods and the demons to obtain the nectar of immortality.
The festival is celebrated in four different locations in India - Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nashik, and Ujjain, with each site hosting the festival once every 12 years. Of these, the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar is considered the most important as it is believed that the river Ganges, which is considered sacred in Hinduism, is at its purest in Haridwar during the festival.
Also Read - Hidden Facts Of Kumbh Mela
The festival of Bhitauli and Harela is celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March-April). Bhitauli marks the completion of a year's cycle in Hinduism, while Harela celebrates the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati. During these two festivals, people from all over Uttarakhand come together to participate in the celebrations.
The festival starts with a ritual bath in the rivers of Uttarakhand, followed by prayers and offerings to deities. On Bhitauli, people exchange gifts and sweets, while on Harela, there is an abundance of singing and dancing.
Ganga Dussehra is a unique and fascinating festival in Uttarakhand that celebrates the descent of the holy river Ganges from heaven to Earth. This festival is celebrated in various parts of India, but it holds a special significance in Uttarakhand, the land of the Ganges. The festival is observed on the tenth day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Jyaistha (May-June).
According to the legend, it is believed that the river Ganges descended to Earth from heaven on this day. The descent of the river was orchestrated by Lord Shiva, who caught the river in his matted locks to prevent it from wreaking havoc on Earth. The river was then released from Lord Shiva's locks and flowed through the Himalayas, ultimately reaching the plains.
Also Read - Best Places To Visit In Uttarakhand
Have you ever felt that sudden surge of joy when spring finally arrives? The festival of Phool Dei celebrates this emotion! Celebrated on the inaugural day of Chaitra (March-April) as per the Hindu calendar, this festival is also referred to as the harvest celebration.
On this day, people dress up in colourful clothes and adorn their houses with flowers and other decorations. Women sing and dance to traditional folk songs while children fly kites in the sky. Special dishes are prepared for this occasion, and people exchange flowers as presents with each other.
We, Indians, have a strong tradition of pilgrimage and the Kanwar Yatra is one such example. As the Hindu month of Shravan (July) begins, devotees embark on their sacred pilgrimage journey known as the 'Kanwar Yatra'. They travel on foot from various parts of the country to Haridwar in Uttarakhand, with a Kanwar - a wooden staff strung with sacred bells - signifying their pious intentions.
These pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometres during the course of their journey and observe strict vows throughout. During this time, they collect holy water from the river Ganges and other sacred sites in Haridwar, which is then taken back home as a blessing.
Also Read - Famous Food Of Uttarakhand
When counting Uttarakhand's famous festival, Ghee Sankranti must never be forgotten.
To honour the locals who rely on farming for their livelihood, every year on August 1st (Bhado), the 'Olgia' Festival is celebrated to mark the start of the harvesting season. At this time of abundance and prosperity, crops are in full bloom and cattle ready to be milked. This festival captures the appreciation that farmers feel towards nature's generous bounty.
Exchanging gifts like axes, ghee, datkhocha (metallic toothpick), and firewood are common during this festival. Moreover, an essential celebration tradition involves eating chapatis filled with urad dal accompanied by ghee.
Basant Panchami is another popular festival celebrated in Uttarakhand. It marks the onset of spring and is associated with a feeling of joy, optimism and rebirth. This festival is also associated with Goddess Saraswati and is observed on the fifth day of Magh (January-February) as per the Hindu lunar calendar.
On this day, processions are held in towns and cities, while fairs are organised in the countryside. People wear yellow clothes, offer special prayers to Goddess Saraswati, and participate in kite-flying activities.
Celebrated for a week by the Jaunsari tribe, whose ancestry is derived from the Pandavas, Bissu Mela is an extensive affair. In honour of a bountiful harvest season in Uttarakhand, people come together to show their reverence and admiration for 'Santoora Devi', an incarnation of Goddess Durga - making it one of the prime attractions of this grand fair.
Holi, the most popular festival in India, is also celebrated with much joy and zest in Uttarakhand. On this day, people smear each other with colours and water balloons to mark the beginning of spring. This fun-filled celebration is accompanied by the beating of drums and the singing of folk songs.
To add more to the festivities, 'thandai' (a cold beverage made with almonds, saffron and other ingredients) is served to everyone. Besides playing with colours, people also exchange gifts such as sweets and flowers on this day.
As an essential part of Holi festivities, the folk music of Uttarakhand captivates all. Women express their verve by singing in Mahila Holi; people dress up traditionally for Khadi Holi and joyfully croon classical ragas during Baithiki Holi. Such is the enchantment of this jubilant culture!
Also Read - Unique Types Of Holi Celebrations In India
Kale Kauva is a traditional, mouth-watering festival celebrated in Uttarakhand. It marks the end of winter, and people enjoy it by indulging in festive delicacies such as fried flour balls or ghughutia accompanied with chutney made from spices and tamarind.
The locals create delightful treats crafted from deep-fried flour in a variety of forms, such as knives and swords. To honour the visitors' arrival, they offer these sweets to crows and migratory birds with wishes for them to return next season. Even children sing songs to attract these returning feathered friends.
Once every dozen years, the Rung tribe of Chaundans Valley in Pithoragarh district revels to commemorate the blooming of the Kandali flower during their prestigious Kandali Festival. This festival commemorates the success of locals in defending their region from Zorawar Singh's forces, a soldier from the Sikh Empire who sought to attack it back in 1841. As local accounts tell us, women bravely stood up against these intruders and hid within Kandali shrubbery, which ultimately cost them dearly as their hiding spot was destroyed.
In memory of their courage and sacrifice, the Kandali festival is celebrated with much pomp and show, which includes singing, dancing, and performances. The valley hosts a grand week-long festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. The locals worship an idol of the deity made from barley and buckwheat, seeking blessings for triumph over their enemies. The celebration includes a puja ceremony and a lavish feast, followed by the raising of the flag. The crowd raises victorious cheers and even reenacts scenes of resistance while attacking the Kandali shrub. The festivities continue all night, fueled by the consumption of local liquor, and the air is filled with joy and merriment.
One of the most important festivals of Uttarakhand is Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra. The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, which occurs every twelve years and stretches an incredible 280 km over three weeks, is unlike any other yatra. It's a remarkable journey that bridges societal gaps; from Dalits playing the drums to shakers blowing bhankauras and Brahmins taking care of ceremonial parasols - all are truly united in this sacred event.
As you traverse the journey, you witness lively processions of devotees carrying beautiful palanquins and banners. Alongside this, melodious devotional singing fills the atmosphere with spiritual energy as people take part in various rituals to commemorate the Nanda Devi peak.
The jat yatra is a unique affair bringing together millions of people from all backgrounds to pay homage to their beloved goddess. From age-old traditions such as animal sacrifice to more modern rituals like tree plantation, this vibrant festival paints a beautiful picture of Uttarakhand's culture and heritage.
Magh Mela is a renowned fair in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, celebrated with great religious and cultural fervour. Over time, it has also evolved into a significant tourism festival for the state. The fair is held during the auspicious month of Magh (January) and runs from the 14th to the 21st of January, coinciding with the Makar Sankranti celebrations. On the fair's first day, Dolis or palanquins carrying the idols of the Kandar god and other Hindu deities from various parts of Uttarkashi are brought to the Ramlila Ground through Pata-Sangrali Village. The fair draws devotees from all over who come to take a holy dip in the sacred Ganga River.
From the 14th to the 21st of January, devotees flock together to the Ramlila Ground bearing Dolis and Palanquins, in which they carry the deity. Today, a fair exhibiting local produce and works of art from all parts of Uttarakhand is not only limited to the Uttarkashi district - allowing visitors to experience a skiing ground being crafted in Dayara Bugyal, one of India's most beautiful meadows.
Egaas is a festival of joy and happiness celebrated 11 days after Diwali, on the eleventh day of Kartik (October - November). It marks the new year celebrations in Uttarakhand. During this festival, people offer respect to their ancestors and seek blessings from them for the coming year. People dress up in traditional attires and visit the temples to perform puja. On this day, one should start all tasks with a clean slate to achieve success in the future.
People also take part in various cultural activities such as singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments during the festival. Egaas is celebrated with much fanfare across Uttarakhand and is a great opportunity to witness the unique culture of this state.
Celebrated at the beginning of every year, the Uttarayani Mela is one of the most popular festivals in Uttarakhand. The festival marks the onset of Uttarayan (the day when there is a shift from winter to summer). People come together to celebrate life and soak up its joyous spirit. The festivity takes place at the popular Gairsain town of Chamoli district in the Kumaon region. It is marked by traditional cultural performances like dance and singing, accompanied by street food to savour. A special part of this festival is the Bageshwar fair that takes place on Magh Purnima (the full moon day).
The festivities and cultural richness of the region are showcased through the performances of numerous local artists singing Jhoras, Chancharis, and Bairas, weaving tales of folklore. Visitors to the fair can purchase an array of locally crafted products, such as iron and copper vessels, baskets, casks, and mattresses, among many others. The locals believe that taking a dip in the holy Ganga River during the fair, when the sun moves from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere, is an auspicious ritual that cleanses the soul.
Bagwal Fair is one of the most popular festivals of Uttarakhand, celebrated along with Raksha Bandhan. It is held at Bagwan Dham in Chamoli district, a small mountain village near Gairsain. The festival dates back to ancient times and witnesses huge gatherings from all parts of Uttarakhand. On this day, people assemble at the temple and start by praying to the deity. They then proceed to a nearby meadow, forming circles and engaging in stone-pelting exercises. This is believed to be a symbolic representation of their devotion towards Lord Shiva and a ritual for seeking his blessings.
The highlight of this fair is the ritual of throwing stones at each other in a symbolic gesture of brotherhood, courage and goodwill. People then disperse with the promise to meet again next year. The fair also showcases many local folk songs and dances performed by the people of this region.
Makar Sankranti celebrates the harvesting season in Uttarakhand. It is one of the most important festivals and marks the arrival of summer. People dress up in colourful traditional attires and take part in many rituals and activities on this day. Kite-flying is a popular event during Makar Sankranti, with many people flying kites in the sky during this time. Another interesting activity is bathing in the holy waters of rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. People also exchange sweets and gifts with each other to bring in the auspiciousness of this festival.
The main attraction of this day is the traditional fairs that take place in various parts of the state. The festive vibe is further enhanced by local artists' incredible folk songs and dances.
So, here's a look into the unique culture and festivities that Uttarakhand has to offer. Plan your visit with Adotrip.com and explore the hidden gems of this heavenly abode. Make sure to plan your trip during any of these festivals of Uttarakhand and discover the joys of celebrating life!
Q. What are the popular festivals in Uttarakhand?
A. The popular festivals in Uttarakhand are:
Q. Are there any unique festivals in Uttarakhand that visitors should attend?
A. Yes, there are some unique festivals in Uttarakhand that visitors should attend. These include the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, Egaas, Uttarayani Mela and Bissu Mela. All of these festivals showcase Uttarakhand's colourful culture and traditions and offer visitors a unique experience.
Q. What is the best time of the year to visit Uttarakhand for its festivals?
A. The best time to visit Uttarakhand for its festivals is from January to March and August to October. During this time, the most popular festivals, such as Kumbh Mela at Haridwar, Ganga Dusshera, Bhitauli and Harela and Makar Sankranti, occur.
--- Published By Adotrip
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