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Uttarakhand Fair & Festivals
Uttarakhand is known for its vibrant and colorful fairs and festivals that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state. Here are some popular fairs and festivals celebrated in Uttarakhand:
The Kumbh Mela is a huge spiritual gathering held every twelve years in India, with the next one taking place in 2021 in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Millions of pilgrims from India and abroad attend to bathe in the waters of the Ganges River, believed to turn into nectar for spiritual purification and liberation.
The festival lasts a few weeks and includes various rituals, processions, and prayers, with Haridwar becoming a hub of cultural activities.
Despite COVID-19 concerns, the Indian government and religious authorities have taken measures to ensure safety for all participants.
Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is a 280km pilgrimage trek, held every 12 years in Uttarakhand, India.
The trek is dedicated to the sacred Hindu deity, Nanda Devi, and includes a challenging climb to the mountain.
Devotees from across India undertake the journey seeking blessings from the goddess.
The trek concludes with a ceremonial marriage between Nanda Devi and Lord Kailash.
Despite its challenges, the yatra remains a popular pilgrimage for the faithful.
Uttarayani Mela is an annual festival celebrated in Uttarakhand on January 14th held in Bageshwar.
The festival involves thousands of devotees taking a dip in the Ganges, visiting temples, and enjoying cultural programs, music, and cuisine.
It is a major tourist attraction that marks the beginning of the agricultural season in the region.
Holi is celebrated with enthusiasm in Uttarakhand to mark the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
People spread joy by smearing dry and wet colors on each other and sharing delicious food and sweets. Women make Rangolis and decorate their homes with flowers.
People of every age group celebrate with music, dance, and bonfires.
Holi in Uttarakhand is a time of joy and togetherness, with processions and floats in some areas.
Diwali in Uttarakhand is enthusiastically celebrated with traditional rituals and customs, decorating homes with diyas, rangolis, lights, and flowers, exchanging sweets and gifts, worshipping Lord Rama and Goddess Lakshmi, and lighting fireworks.
The celebrations last for five days, with each day holding its significance. People also take part in community events, cultural programs, and fairs.
Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil and brings together the community, spreading positivity and happiness.
Makar Sankranti, also called Uttarayan, is a harvest festival celebrated in India. Uttarakhand has its own version called Ghughutia or Kale Kauva, where people exchange jaggery and sesame seeds.
Sweet treats like til laddoos and gajak are made at home and shared with loved ones.
Kite flying and music and dance are also popular during the festival.
Makar Sankranti is a time for people to come together to celebrate the harvest season and spread happiness.
Basant Panchami, also known as Saraswati Puja, is a Hindu spring festival celebrating the goddess of knowledge.
Celebrated across India, in Uttarakhand, homes and workplaces are decorated with yellow flowers and clothes, and devotees offer yellow flowers, sweets and fruits to Saraswati.
Kite-flying competitions are also held.
Ganga Dussehra is a Hindu festival celebrating the descent of the Ganges river to Earth from heaven.
It falls on the tenth day of the waxing moon in Jyeshtha (May/June) and involves taking a dip in the river for blessings and cleansing of sins. Lord Shiva is also worshipped during this festival.
Ganga Dussehra is significant for its spiritual purification and holds a special place in Hindu tradition.
These are just a few examples of the fairs and festivals celebrated in Uttarakhand. The state’s cultural calendar is filled with many more vibrant celebrations that showcase the traditions and customs of the region.