5 Best Festivals in Uttarakhand-Fairs,Cultures
When it comes to the best fairs and festivals in Uttarakhand, you’ll be delighted by the variety of fairs and celebrations in whichever place you choose to visit. The state offers a range of regional festivals that are a lot of fun to attend in addition to the major Indian holidays. You can enjoy fascinating displays of folk music and dancing by attending one of the state’s many fairs. During the festival season, visitors come to Uttarakhand from all over the nation to take part in the vibrant celebrations. If you’re a culture enthusiast, you can’t afford to miss the joyous events in the state.
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Kumbh Mela
Haridwar in Uttarakhand is an important pilgrimage center for Hindus. The place is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of city life and is a beautiful amalgamation of old and new, full of beauty, culture, history and spirituality. Haridwar is called the ‘Abode of God’ because of its serenity and natural beauty on the banks of the river Ganges. Kumbh Mela is a one of the best festival in Uttarakhand, festival held every 12 years in one of four places in India: Haridwar, Allahabad, Ujjain and Nashik, the most well-known fair in the world. It is a spectacle that should never be missed. The Haridwar Kumbh Mela has gained international fame as the “largest gathering of faith in the world”. The unwavering faith of millions of devotees is mind-blowing. The shows of this religion attracted the curiosity of foreigners. Pilgrims come from all walks of life, travel long distances and endure many physical hardships, just to take a dip in the holy river. Some come by crowded trains, while others come by helicopters and planes. But, one thing is common, their tremendous faith. Nothing can stop the faith of the pilgrims who celebrate the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar with all pomp and grandeur. The festive atmosphere is hard to comprehend. It’s surreal. It’s magical!
Also read– Ganga Dussehra
When is the next Maha Kumbh Mela
The next Kumbh Mela in Haridwar is expected to be held in 2033. The Kumbh Mela is a Hindu festival that takes place every 12 years.The exact date is determined by the positions of the Sun and Jupiter in the zodiac and the Hindu lunisolar calendar.The Kumbh Mela in Haridwar takes place during the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April) when Jupiter is in Aquarius and the Sun is in Aries.
Nanda Devi Mahotsav
The state celebrates Nanda Devi Fair in memory of Goddesses Nanda and Sunanda. Nanda Devi Mela, also known as Nanda Devi Mahotsav is celebrated during the Nandashtami festival in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand every September. Festival is celebrated in the places like Almora, Nainital, Kot and Bhowali area and far-flung areas of Johar. As per belief, Chand King’s family Goddess was Nanda Devi. In the 17th century, A temple of Nanda Devi was built by King Dyot Chand, and from then the festival started. The festival reflects the prosperity of the region with Culture and economy.A large parade is arranged to carry the Dola (palanquin) of Nanda Devi and her sister Sunanda. On this occasion, a market containing the local handicraft items and local handmade products are traded. The Mela is generally held around the Nanda Devi Temple. This festival attracts a significant number of devotees and tourists from the Kumaon region, Garwal region, and various other states of India.
Also read–Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra
Celebration of Nanda Devi Mahotsav
During the Nanda Devi Festival in Nainital, the festival was inaugurated at Sabha Bhawan on 8th September. A team departed to bring the banana tree, and on 9th September, the banana tree was taken on a city tour. Folk artists created the idol on 10th September. On 11th September, the idol of the mother was consecrated in Brahma Muhurta and opened for devotees to see. At 6:30 pm, a Panch Aarti of the mother took place, which was the center of special attraction. On 12th September, on the day of Navami, Kanya Pujan, Durga Saptasati recitation, and Havan were held in the temple premises, followed by Maha Bhandara. On 13th September, there was Devi Pujan, Nanda Chalisa, Panch Aarti, and in the evening, a program of Deepdaan in Naini Lake. On 14th September, Devi Bhog was organized in the morning, and Sunderkand was organized at 1 pm. On September 15, Devi Pujan, Devi Bhog, and Shobha Yatra of Maa Nanda Sunanda were taken out in the city at exactly 12 noon, and the idol was immersed at exactly 7 pm.
Phool Dei
The name “Phool Dei” translates to “the festival of flowers“.Phool Dei, also known as the harvest festival of Uttarakhand, is an auspicious folk celebration that heralds the arrival of spring in the region. People gather flowers from their gardens and surrounding areas to decorate their homes and make beautiful garlands.Children play a significant role in the celebrations, going door-to-door singing traditional songs, and offering flowers. In return, they receive sweets and small gifts. Various traditional sweets are prepared, including puri, halwa, and singhori (a type of sweet made with rice flour and filled with khoya). The festival signifies the end of winter and the arrival of spring, celebrating the beauty of nature and the harvest season. It fosters community spirit and brings families together. While Phool Dei is primarily celebrated in Kumaon, different communities may have their unique ways of observing the festival, adding to its richness.
Time to celebrate of Phool Dei
In Uttarakhand, Phool Dei is celebrated every year in the month of March (one of the first days of the Hindu month Chaitra), which usually coincides with the arrival of spring. The specific date may vary each year, but it often falls in the first half of the month. The festival is a time for communities to come together, enjoy the beauty of blooming flowers, and partake in traditional songs and sweets.
Overall, Phool Dei is a joyful occasion that reflects the culture, traditions, and close-knit community life of Uttarakhand.
Deepawali (Diwali)
Diwali is one of the most important festivals of India and celebration in Uttarakhand is a special kind where tradition, spirituality, and community spirit meet. The state becomes one large cacophony of colors, sounds, and smells as the festival of lights looms. Deepawali in Uttarakhand is celebrated for five long days and is observed differently on each day. It begins with Dhanteras, when people clean their homes, buy new utensils, and worship Lord Dhanvantari. The anticipation grows as families gear up for Deepawali, the festival of lights, which takes place on the darkest night in the month, representing good overcoming evil. Local traditions influence how Deepawali is observed in the state of Uttarakhand. Lakshmi Puja, which is a common ritual, is dedicated to the goddess of wealth and prosperity in most houses. when streets are splashed with colors of rangoli and every nook-and-corner is lit up by oil lamps known as diyas making you feel like you have walked into a fantasy land. Firecrackers echo through the hills, another tradition that sounds to add to the festive spirit but many are now going green with sound-less or eco-friendly firecracker-replacements. During this time there are colorful community rendezvous in Uttrakhand as well. Sweets, decorations, and traditional wear are up for sale at the crowded markets. Showing the market alive. These include traditional dishes such as gujiya, chakli, and various sweets that reflect the culinary. Deepawali in the heartland of Uttarakhand is not just a celebration but a time when family members come together to rest on the laurels of what happened and share aspirations for the future. These twinkling lights shining on our hills reflect not only the festivity of the occasion but also the love and affection of its community, and it fidelity to statehood itself.
Time to celebrate Deepawali
Deepawali or Diwali occurs on the fifteenth day of the month of Kartika constellated in the Hindu calendar which is normally celebrated between the mid of October to mid of November. The festival lasts for five days but the most important for worshipping goddess Lakshmi who is worshipped on the 3rd day is the best day of the festival. Due to its connection with the lunar calendar, its specific days will be different from one year to the next, therefore the specified day for Hyang Api’s celebration should also be available. In 2024, Deepawali will take place on the November 1st.
Holi
Holi , the festival of colors, is one of the “Best festivals in Uttarakhand.” in India. Being located amidst the majestic Himalayan range, this state of northern India adds a splendid flavor to the celebrations by infusing modern activities with the age-old cultural practices and the awe-inspiring scenery of its terrain. In the hilly region of Uttarakhand, Holi is typically celebrated with a ridicule of burning “Holika ceremony” symbolizing the triumph of truth over falsehood. Holika Dahan takes place a day before Holi and is depicted by community bonfire gatherings where families gather around fires singing, offering prayers and placing dried twigs in for burning Then comes the Holi, when the entire room is filled with colors. People- both inhabitants and travelers join in the riot of colors with dry colors called gulal or water balloons that are thrown or played with. There are certain towns like Haridwar and Rishikesh situated on the banks of the Ganga river where the celebration transcends with the people bathing in the Ganges and rejoicing with the rest. The multimedia magic brought out by the colors filled in the water is spectacular. In the traditional ceremonies, special food has its place. In Uttarakhand, the people make special sweets such as gujiya and other festival snacks, which are shared with kith and kin. The streets meanwhile are swathed in culture, filled with folk songs and dances, and people are usually clad in their costumes.
Time to celebrate Holi
Holi is celebrated in the winter season when it is the full moon at the end of the bihaana month of the Hindu lunar calendar. The celebration is synchronized with the spring season, hence the shifting of the date in relation to the lunar calendar. This date is most likely to be in March, although it is the end of February in the Gregorian calendar at times.
Conclusion
Festivals in Uttarakhand are not just events; they are expressions of community, devotion, and cultural identity. Each celebration is a vibrant showcase of local traditions, bringing together people from all walks of life to honor their shared heritage amidst the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas.
FAQ about Best Festivals in Uttarakhand
What is the best festivals in Uttarakhand?
The state celebrates numerous fairs and festivals, such as Shivratri, Baikunth-Chaturdashi Mela, Auli Festival, Phool Dei, Kumbh Mela, Deepawali, Holi, and Basant Panchami.
What is the real date of Diwali in 2024?
In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on November 1st. The festival date varies each year based on the lunar calendar, specifically on the 15th day of the month of Kartika.
What is the real date of Holi 2025?
in 2025, Holi will fall on March 14. It’s a time for celebration when people indulge in play, exchanging colored powders and even buckets of colored water as spring is ushered in.
Why and how do we celebrate Diwali?
Diwali, widely known as the Festival of Lights, is a significant and joyous celebration observed by people from Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist communities. It stands for the triumph of knowledge over ignorance, light over darkness, and good over evil. During this festival, celebrants illuminate their homes with earthen oil lamps, light fireworks, exchange gifts, and partake in festive meals. Diwali is a time for family gatherings, spreading positivity, and expressing gratitude.