Phool Dei, a vibrant harvest festival of Uttarakhand, welcomes the spring season with joy and tradition. Celebrated on the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April), young girls play a key role, decorating doorsteps with fresh flowers like Piyoli and Buransh, while singing folk songs such as "Phool Dei, Chamma Dei." They offer blessings for prosperity and receive sweets, jaggery, and gifts in return.
Harela, a cherished festival of Uttarakhand, marks the onset of the monsoon and celebrates agricultural prosperity. Observed in the month of Shravan (July-August), it begins with sowing seeds of five to seven grains in small pots, symbolizing growth and abundance. After ten days, the lush green sprouts, called Harela, are cut and placed on the heads of family members as a blessing for good fortune.this eco-friendly festival reflects the Kumaoni and Garhwali reverence for nature and sustainable living.
Bagwal, a dramatic stone-pelting ritual at Devidhura in Uttarakhand, is a thrilling test of courage held during Raksha Bandhan at the Varahi Devi temple. Participants from four clans hurl stones at each other to appease the goddess, believing the bloodshed wards off evil. Shielded by tradition and fervor, this intense event blends devotion with daring, drawing crowds to witness its raw energy.
Ghee Sankranti, celebrated in Uttarakhand during Bhado (August-September), honors the region’s agricultural heritage and livestock wealth. Farmers offer ghee, jaggery, and traditional dishes to their cattle and tools, praying for prosperity and a bountiful harvest. This vibrant festival, marked by folk songs and communal feasts, reflects gratitude for nature’s abundance and the vital role of farming in hill life.
The Nanda Devi Raj Jat pilgrimage, a sacred trek in Uttarakhand, honors Goddess Nanda Devi, the patron deity of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. Held every 12 years, devotees undertake a challenging 280-km journey through rugged Himalayan trails, culminating at the Nanda Devi temple. Accompanied by vibrant processions, folk music, and the ringing of bells, this revered yatra symbolizes faith, unity, and devotion to the divine protector of the mountains.
Gauchar Mela, a lively festival in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, kicks off on November 14th, blending trade, culture, and tradition. Started in 1943 to boost Indo-Tibetan commerce, it showcases local handicrafts, woolen goods, and modern farming techniques over a week. With folk dances, music, and a bustling fairground, it draws locals and tourists to celebrate the region’s rich heritage.