Famous Fairs and Festivals of Uttarakhand: Celebrating the State’s Cultural Heritage
Uttarakhand, often referred to as the “Land of the Gods,” is not only blessed with natural beauty but also a rich cultural heritage. The state celebrates numerous fairs and festivals throughout the year, which showcase the vibrant traditions, religious beliefs, and cultural diversity of the region. Let’s explore some of the famous fairs and festivals of Uttarakhand that attract both locals and tourists alike.
Kumbh Mela
Kumbh Mela is one of the largest and most celebrated religious festivals in the world. It is a Hindu pilgrimage that takes place in India every 12 years, rotating between four different locations: Allahabad, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain.
The festival is a celebration of faith, spirituality, and culture, and is attended by millions of devotees from all over the world. According to a legend, the gods and demons fought over a pot (kumbh) containing the nectar of immortality. During the battle, drops of the nectar fell at four different locations on Earth, which are now the sites of the Kumbh Mela festivals. The festival is believed to be a time when the gods descend to Earth to bless the devotees and cleanse them of their sins. The festival is marked by a series of rituals and ceremonies. The most important of these is the ritual bath (snan) in the holy rivers. Devotees believe that by taking a dip in the river during the Kumbh Mela, they can wash away their sins and achieve salvation.
The Kumbh Mela is a testament to the power of faith and the resilience of the human spirit. The festival brings together people from all walks of life, transcending barriers of caste, creed, and nationality. It is a time when people can connect with their inner selves, with each other, and with the divine.
Nanda Devi Raj Jat
Nanda Devi Raj Jat is a religious festival celebrated once every 12 years, and is one of the most important events for the people of the region. The festival is dedicated to the goddess Nanda Devi, who is considered to be the protector of the region and its people.
The festival is a journey that takes place over a period of 22 days. The journey starts from the village of Nauti, and then proceeds to the base camp of Nanda Devi, which is located at an altitude of 4,000 meters. According to legend, Nanda Devi was a princess who married a prince from a neighboring kingdom. However, her husband was killed in battle, and Nanda Devi was so heartbroken that she decided to retreat to the mountains. She was later worshipped as a goddess, and her temple became a place of pilgrimage for the people of the region.
The journey is undertaken by a group of people known as the “Jogis”, who are selected from different villages in the region. The Jogis are responsible for carrying the “doli”, which is a decorated palanquin that contains the image of Nanda Devi. The journey is a test of endurance, both physical and mental. The festival is also a celebration of the culture and traditions of the region.
Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Dussehra is a Hindu festival that celebrates the descent of the Ganges River from Heaven to Earth. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the waxing moon in the month of Ashadha. The story of Ganga Dussehra is told in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. In the story, the king of the gods, Indra, was angered by the sage Agastya. Indra sent a flood of water to destroy Agastya’s hermitage. Agastya drank up the flood, and the water flowed down to earth as the Ganges River. The Ganges River is considered to be sacred in Hinduism. On the day of Ganga Dussehra, people from all over India gather at the banks of the Ganges River to bathe and pray. Ganga Dussehra is also a time for people to celebrate the beauty and power of the Ganges River. The river is a symbol of life, purity, and hope. It is a source of water, food, and transportation for millions of people.
Uttarakhand Tourism Festival
The Uttarakhand Tourism Festival is an annual event that showcases the best of Uttarakhand’s culture, heritage, and natural beauty. The festival is held in different parts of the state each year, and it features a variety of events, including music and dance performances, art exhibitions, food festivals, and adventure sports competitions. It is a great opportunity to learn about the rich culture and history of Uttarakhand.
The festival is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. In 2022, the festival attracted over 1 million visitors from all over the world. The festival is a great way to experience the best of Uttarakhand, and it is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Bring a camera to capture all of your memories of the festival. Be sure to try some of the local cuisine, as Uttarakhand is home to some of the most delicious food in India.
Harela
Harela is an agricultural festival celebrated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. The festival marks the beginning of the sowing season and is dedicated to the goddess Annapurna, the deity of food and harvest. Harela is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is considered an auspicious occasion for farmers. The word “Harela” is derived from the Kumaoni language, where “Hare” means greenery or green color. During the festival, people sow seeds of barley or wheat in small pots filled with soil and keep them in their homes. These pots symbolize the bounty of nature and are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
The festival is celebrated with various rituals and customs. People dress in traditional attire, offer prayers to goddess Annapurna, and seek her blessings for a bountiful harvest. Songs and dances are performed, showcasing the joy and enthusiasm associated with the arrival of the sowing season. Harela is not only a festival of agricultural significance but also a celebration of nature’s abundance and the interconnectedness of humans with the environment. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable agriculture and the need to preserve and protect the natural resources for future generations.
Phool Dei
Phool Dei is a vibrant and colorful harvest festival celebrated primarily in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The festival marks the arrival of spring and is a way of expressing gratitude to nature for the bountiful harvest and prosperity it brings. Phool Dei is predominantly observed in rural areas, where agriculture plays a significant role in people’s lives. During the festival, young girls and boys form groups and go from house to house, singing traditional songs and offering flowers and homemade sweets to the households. The flowers, usually marigolds and other seasonal blossoms, are arranged in beautiful patterns or garlands, and they symbolize the blooming of new life and the abundance of nature.
The process of Phool Dei begins early in the morning, with the children visiting each household in the village. The hosts warmly welcome the group, offering blessings and gifts in return. The exchange of flowers and sweets represents a bond of love and prosperity between the giver and the receiver. Apart from the floral offerings, the children also sing traditional songs and perform folk dances, adding to the festive spirit. The songs and dances celebrate the beauty of nature, express gratitude for the harvest, and convey good wishes for the well-being of the community. Phool Dei holds immense cultural significance as it reinforces the sense of community and unity among the villagers. It is a way of spreading joy, happiness, and positive energy throughout the community. The festival also highlights the deep-rooted connection between people and nature, emphasizing the importance of preserving and nurturing the environment for a prosperous future.
Bikhauti Mela
Bikhauti Mela is a significant fair celebrated in Uttarakhand. It takes place in the month of March and marks the reunion of the presiding deities of several temples in the region. The term “Bikhauti” translates to “unequalled” or “extraordinary,” and the fair lives up to its name by offering a unique blend of spirituality, festivity, and traditional customs.
The fair primarily revolves around the worship of Lord Golu Devta, the deity believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. During the fair, the idols of Lord Golu Devta from various temples in the region are brought to the main temple in Ghorakhal. The grand procession is a sight to behold, with devotees carrying the idols on their shoulders and singing devotional songs. The air is filled with chants, hymns, and the fragrance of incense.
Devotees offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Golu Devta for their well-being and prosperity. They make offerings of coconuts, flowers, sweets, and various other items considered sacred. It is believed that the deity grants the wishes of the devotees who approach him with pure hearts and unwavering faith. The fair is also an opportunity for local artisans and craftsmen to showcase their skills and sell their handmade products. The market is filled with stalls offering a variety of handicrafts, local artifacts, and delicious regional cuisine, providing visitors with a glimpse into the unique cultural offerings of Uttarakhand.
Magh Mela
Magh Mela in Uttarakhand is a significant religious festival and fair celebrated during the month of Magh (January-February) at various holy sites along the banks of the Ganges River in the state. Although smaller in scale compared to its counterpart in Allahabad (Prayagraj), the Magh Mela in Uttarakhand holds its own charm and religious fervor. The festival is particularly celebrated in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and other sacred towns along the Ganges. Devotees from different parts of India and beyond flock to these holy sites to take a dip in the sacred river and seek spiritual purification. During the Magh Mela, the ghats (river banks) in Haridwar and Rishikesh come alive with thousands of devotees, sadhus (holy men), and spiritual seekers. The atmosphere is filled with chants, prayers, and the fragrance of incense.
The Magh Mela in Uttarakhand also features numerous stalls and bazaars, where visitors can find a wide range of religious items, handicrafts, and traditional clothing. The colorful markets offer a unique shopping experience, allowing devotees and tourists to take a piece of the festival’s vibrant spirit home with them. Magh Mela in Uttarakhand may not be as grand as the one in Allahabad, but it holds its own significance and charm. It offers a spiritual and cultural experience, providing devotees and visitors an opportunity to connect with their faith, witness religious rituals, and immerse themselves in the divine aura of the sacred Ganges.
Kandali Festival
The Kandali Festival is a remarkable celebration observed by the Rung tribe residing in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India. This festival coincides with the rare blooming of the Kandali plant, an event that occurs once every twelve years. Festivities take place in the enchanting Chaundas Valley between the months of August and October.
According to local folklore, as soldiers journeyed along the Kali River, they resorted to looting the villages they passed by, concealing themselves amidst the dense Kandali plants. The brave women of the region valiantly resisted the invaders and took a stand against their acts of plunder. In their defiance, they destroyed the Kandali plants. During the Kandali Festival, this event is re-enacted as a symbolic representation of their triumph over the marauding soldiers.
The highlight of the Kandali Festival is a jubilant victory dance that takes place only once every twelve years, coinciding with the destruction of the blooming Kan-Dali shrub. The procession is led by the women, each wielding a ril, a tool traditionally used for compacting carpets on a loom. Following closely behind are the men and children, armed with swords and shields. As they joyfully sing and dance, their melodious tunes reverberate through the valley. After the victorious dance and the eradication of the shrub, the festival concludes with a joyous feast, uniting the community in celebration and gratitude.
These are just a few examples of the vibrant fairs and festivals celebrated in Uttarakhand. Each festival is a testament to the state’s rich cultural heritage and offers a glimpse into the religious fervor, traditions, and customs of the region. So, if you’re planning a visit to Uttarakhand, try to coincide your trip with one of these festivals to immerse yourself in the colorful tapestry of the state’s cultural celebrations.