Festivals of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is popularly known as “Devbhoomi” or the “land of gods”. It is a really renowned pilgrimage site where people originate from all parts of India and also even the world to immerse in the spiritual as well as religious environment. From the spiritual Ghats of Ganga in Haridwar to the snow-capped mountains of Auli, Uttarakhand is viewed as a holy place. It is has a varied and vibrant culture as it is home to people of different ethnic groups, tribal communities, and even immigrants.Right here, people speak numerous languages like Hindi, Bhotia, Garhwali, Kumaoni, wear different traditional dresses as well as likewise celebrate various festivals in Uttarakhand. The ideas and practices of the Garhwali as well as Kumaoni people are a significant partof their life and also ascertain their identity.

Festivals in Uttarakhand

Some of the festivals celebrated in the Uttarakhand region are Basant Panchami, Bhitauli, Harela, Phool Dei, Batsavitri, Ganga Dusshera or Dasar, Dikar Puja, Olgia or Ghee Sankranti, Khatarua, Ghuian Ekadashi, Chhipla Jaat, Kandali, Janopunya, Kumaon Holi (including Khari Holi and Baithaki Holi) and also Makar Sankranti (Ghughutia).

Here is list of top 9 festivals in Uttarakhand:-

1. Kumbh Mela

Kumbh Mela is one of the biggest and the most popular festival of Uttarakhand. Although technically it is a Mela or fair, it is a significant occasion for people of this northern state. It is the biggest congregation of pilgrims which entails taking dips in the river of Ganga to rid oneself of one’s sins. Followers, saints, sadhus, or just onlookers, regardless of their caste, creed or gender originate from throughout the nation and also even world to bath themselves in the waters of Ganga, hoping to eliminate the cycle of birth and also death. This mela is a 3-month lengthy festival and also happens once in every 4 years rotating in between Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and also Nasik, i.e., just when in 12 years in any one place.

2. Basant Panchami

Basant Panchami is the festival which celebrates the coming of Basant or spring season. It is a significant festival in Uttarakhand. This festival marksthe end of wintertime, a season of death and also degeneration, and also is celebrated in the month of Magh or January/ February. The traditional clothe themselves up in yellow clothing, do Chounphula and also Jhumelia dances and also fly kites.

They worship Saraswati, goddess of knowledge and prosperity and the land. Wonderful rice is made in almost every home.

3. Bhaitauli and also Harela

Among the people of Uttarakhand, every season has some festivals, and also each festival is well known properly. Harela is a festival that marks the beginning of the rainy season or monsoon. People belonging to the Kumaon community celebrate this festival during the month of Shravana, i.e., July-August. Mythological, this event celebrates the wedding celebration of Lord Shiva and Parvati. People make small idols or dikars of gods like Maheshwar, Ganesh. This festival is adhered to by another, Bhaitauli which is celebrated in the month of Chaitra, i.e., March- April. It focuses on farming where ladies plant seeds in the soil and also by the end of the festival they reap the harvest which is called harela. This gives them the possibility to test the quality of their seeds. During this festival, brothers also provide gifts for their sisters.

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4. Nanda Devi Fair

In the hilly state of Uttarakhand, there are a large number of temples. These temples are the venues of many fairs that are held when the festivals are celebrated. The basically spiritual minded people of the state celebrate the Nanda Devi Fair in remembrance of the goddesses Nanda and Sunanda. It is held in many places in Uttarakhand like Almora, Nainital, Nauti, Dandidhara, Munsyari, Ranikhet, Bhowali, Kichha and likewise in the little sleepy communities of Lohar (like Milam as well as Martoli) as well as Pindar valleys (like Wachham and also Khati). The fairs at Almora and Roopkund draw the biggest variety of people.

5. Ramman

Ramman, a religious festival in the form of the theater is featured on the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in India. It is renowned exclusively in the Garhwal Area of Uttarakhand at the twin towns of Saloor-Dungra in Chamoli area. The unique festivities are a significant form of heritage of only 196 families, 1800 peoples of the charming villages without worrying about caste and creed.

6. Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a famous festival celebrated in several states of India. For people of Uttarakhand, this festival notes the change of reason. According to the Hindu religious texts, Makar Sankranti marks the day of Uttarayani, i.e., the sunlight has gotten in the zodiacal indicator of ‘makar’ (Capricorn) from ‘kark’ (cancer) as well as has actually therefore started relocating in the direction of the north.

On this particular day, people worship the sun at sunup as well as shower in the river waters. The locals prepare Khichdi and also til ke laddoo. The popular fair of Uttarayani also takes place during this time.

7. International Yoga Exercise Event

This annual festival, co-organized by Uttarakhand Tourism as well as Parmarth Niketan Ashram, is held in the first week of March.

8. Bissu

Bissu, the harvesting festival is celebrated over a period of five days, when processions of local deities are taken out in palanquins.

9. Uttarayani Festival

The Uttarayani Fair is typically held in the second week of January yearly on the divine celebration of Makar Sankranti. It is held at a variety of places in Kumaon area of Uttarakhand including of Bageshwar, Ranibagh, and Hanseswari, though the most significant fair has actually traditionally been that of Bageshwar. The ground of the spiritual Bagnath Temple in Bageshwar, on the banks of River Saryu, becomes the venue for the reasonable which goes on for a week. Throughout the Mela, when it is stated the sun relocates from Southern Hemisphere to Northern Hemisphere, it is believed auspicious to take a dip in the water of the river.

What to Do to Enjoy the Festivals of Uttarakhand

To enjoy the festivals of Uttarakhand, start by immersing yourself in the vibrant cultural performances. Attend traditional dances like Garhwali and Kumaoni folk dances, which are both mesmerizing and culturally enriching. Participate in the colorful processions that are a hallmark of these festivals, where you can witness age-old rituals and traditions.

Indulge in the local cuisine, which is a highlight of any festival experience. Try dishes like Aloo Ke Gutke, Bal Mithai, and Singori, which are unique to the region and bursting with flavors. Visiting temples during festivals offers a glimpse into the spiritual side of the celebrations, with beautifully decorated shrines and elaborate ceremonies.

For a more adventurous experience, combine festival celebrations with trekking or camping in the picturesque mountains. Shopping at local markets for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs adds to the festive spirit. Stay in homestays to experience the warmth of Uttarakhandi hospitality, and don’t forget to capture the moments to cherish the memories of these unique and culturally rich festivals.

Book your trip with Travel Agents in India Swan Tours for an unforgettable journey to Uttarakhand Tour Packages. We go the extra mile to make your travel dreams a reality. For more information on festivals in Uttarakhand and tour packages contact Swan Tours or call 011 23415601.