Fair and Festivasl of Uttarakhand
Kumbh Mela
It is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage, which takes place at four locations of India. One of them is Haridwar in the state of Uttarakhand, where the river Ganga enters the plains from Himalayas at the confluence of three rivers Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna, and Saraswati.
Kumbh Mela of Uttarakhand takes place four times every twelve years at the above location. Every twelve-year cycle includes the Maha (great) Kumbh Mela at Haridwar and Prayag, which is the largest pilgrimage gathering in the world. It is attended by millions of people.
Baishaki
Baishaki is among the important festivals of Uttarakhand. Baishaki in Uttarakhand is celebrated during the month of April, which symbolizes the beginning of yet another year. After harvesting season, people in Uttarakhand mostly relax and spend their time in leisure. Therefore, to commemorate this free time they started the celebration of Baishaki.
At the period of transition, when the Sun moves from one constellation (Sankranti) to the other, fairs and festivals are observed by the people of Uttarakhand. In Uttarakhand, each sankranti is marked with a festival, namely Fooldeyi, Bikhauti, Harela, Ghee Sankranti, Khatarua, Holi Uttaraini, etc.
Devidhura Mela
Devidhura Mela is held in the compound of the Varahi Devi temple of Devidhura. Devidhura Mela is held every year on the auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan. The place Devidhura is situated at a junction of Almora, Pithoragarh, and Nainital districts. Devidhura Mela is famous for its enchanting dance and folk songs and also for its Bagwal.
Uttaraini Mela
Uttaraini Mela of Uttarakhand is held around many locations including Sult Mahadev, Bageshwar, Rameshwar, Chitrashila (Ranibagh), Hanseshwar, etc. It is held on Uttarayani day (Makar Sankranti). The dola of Chaumu comes down to the temple at Pancheshwar. Merchants from distant places like Tibet and Nepal come to Uttaraini Mela for brisk trading. Among the things available for sale are iron and copper pots, blankets, baskets, casks, durries, mats, mattresses, cane and bamboo articles, carpets, blankets, herbs, and spices.
Uttaraini Mela at Bageshwar attracts a lot of local people as well as tourists. It is an important place from the cultural, commercial, and political points of view.
Gauchar Mela
Gauchar Mela of Uttarakhand is a great attraction for the local people and the traders and mercahnts from every corner of the state. Held every year for a week starting from 14th November, Uttrakhand's Gaucher mela is fundamentally an industrial fair. It is attended widely by tourists and inhabitants of the state alike. The cultural programs like the local dances and songs always remains a major attraction of Gauchar mela at Uttarakhand.
Vishu Mela
Vishu Mela is organized at the Jhanda ground in the cantonment area of Chakrata block of the Dehradun district. It is held at a distance of about 3 kilometer from Chakrata. The fair reflects the tradition and cultural heritage of the Jaunsari tribe. A large number of people participate in Vishu Mela from nearby Uttarkashi, Trhri, and Saharanpur districts. The fair is organized to celebrate the harvesting season in the area. Therefore, Vishu Mela reflects the happiness of the local people.
Last Updated on 4 March 2013
