Fairs and Festivals of Uttarakhand

The spirit of gratitude is seen in abundance in the people of Uttarakhand, their fairs and festivals clearly display their thankful hearts and zeal to conserve the surroundings. In early days when the means of transport was scarce, relatives living far away from each other found fairs and festivals as an ideal opportunity to greet each other. In Uttarakhand, people welcome each season with a grateful heart and organize several large scale festivals around the state. Fairs and festivals in Uttarakhand are a way of life, the people of the state equally rejoice for small and big accomplishment, always paying respect to nature's abundance and nurturing the bond of unconditional love amongst each other. The agricultural bounty was another reason for people to celebrate; whereas, the moving of the Sun from the southern hemisphere to the north also gives the people a chance to make merry. Being the Earthly Abode for Gods; the state celebrates few festivals that are exclusive to the state. Praying for the deceased calls in for a small level of festivity itself, whereas, the grandest of all celebration is seen in the form of Kumbh Mela in Uttarakhand. Festivals are indeed the ideal time to enjoy tourism in Uttarakhand, it is infact the perfect time to capture all the colours of the state and learn about rituals and traditions that are interesting but are still unheard in the country. The two distinct regions of Uttarakhand, Kumaon and Garhwal, enjoy varied fairs and festivals along with several similar celebrations around the year. The state is seen celebrating numerous fairs like Sharadotsav, Baikunth-Chaturdashi Mela, Gindi Mela, Gauchar Mela, Auli Festival, Nanda Raj-Jat, Binsar Mela, Hariyali Devi Mela, Nanda Devi, Uttarayni and festivals like Basant Panchami, Bhitauli, Harela, Phool Dei, Batsavitri, Ganga Dusshera, Dikar Puja, Olgi or Ghee Sankranti, Khatarua, Ghuian Ekadashi, Hilljatra, Kumaoni Holi,Kandali, Janopunyu and Ghughutia. Thus, one can calculate each day in the lives of the people of Uttarakhand a celebration day. People are seen preparing for the festivities and greeting each other with sweets, flowers, special grass blades and Roli Tikaa adorned with Rice. Inarguably, the varied festivity in Uttarakhand at regular intervals celebrated with pure hearts and selfless motives are the things that have kept the people of the state content, grateful and ofcourse prosperous.