Honestly, it is no brainer to understand that Uttarakhand is a Himalayan state that has a diverse culture and landscape. DevBhoomi -Uttarakhand is the Land of Gods. The state is exquisite with natural beauty. Bestowed with the stunning Himalayan landscape, serene valleys filled with orchards, rivers flowing down the hillsides, and snow-capped peaks in the backdrop, Uttarakhand is an experience beyond the ordinary.
And to add to the allure, the state is filled with festivals celebrating this land’s rich diversity. They even add to the glory of this sacred land. Because in Hinduism, God resides in his land and his temples. Unknown to many, festivals in Uttarakhand are celebrated with great enthusiasm and passion.
If you plan to visit Uttarakhand, take advantage of the festival celebrated in Uttarakhand. You will enjoy their colorful culture, tradition, and customs.
Table of Contents
15 Famous Festivals of Uttarakhand That Revamps the Essence of Devbhoomi
1. Kumbh Mela
Every year millions of Hindus gather at Haridwar to take a holy dip in the Ganges River. The bath is believed to wash away all sins and render the pilgrims pure. This is a significant festival celebrated in Uttarakhand. The festival is organized at Har ki Pauri Ghat (ghat on the banks of the Ganges) in Haridwar.
Many rites are carried out during the festival for world peace and prosperity. The ritual is conducted with much devotion and religious fervor. And devotees who participate in this grand festival come from all parts of the world. It is an elegant display of faith and a great way to unite with nature.
2. Basant Panchami
Basant Panchami is one of the most important Uttarakhand festivals. It marks the splendid welcome of the spring season. It’s generally celebrated in January. In Uttarakhand, during the celebrations, the air reverberates with the sound of the trumpets. The people decorate the gates and roofs of their houses with brilliant designs. Chounphula and Jhumelia dances are performed in the streets.
The sight of the people ornamented in yellow attires and the musician playing flutes and trumpets are a delight to watch. On Basant Panchami, thousands of people gather in the streets and in their houses for traditional dances.
3. Bhitauli and Harela
Bhitauli and Harela is an important folk festival celebrated four times in the Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand. The carnival falls in the month of Shravana (July and August). It is organized in honor of the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati. People offer prayers to the guardian deity for agriculture for the prosperity of crops.
The festival falls on the 9th day of the Navratri every year. Women from the Kumaon region carry baskets containing soil and plant seeds of seven different types. And after ten days, the leaves from the seedlings are cut. People put the same leaf behind their ears. Visiting this festival is an ideal way to experience the culture and traditions of the locals. You will be mesmerized by the colorful attires, the harmonious atmosphere, and the grandeur of this festival!
4. Holi
Holi is a famous festival in Uttarakhand. It marks the fusion of colors, spirituality, and music. The unique traditions of the Kumaon region are revived during Holi. Mahila Holi, Baithaki Holi, and Khadi Holi are three different forms of Uttarakhand Holi festival. Participants smear colored powders and apply ’tilak’ on each other. They sing bhajans in praise of Radha and Krishna, which gives a spiritual touch to the festival.
You can join the Holi celebration when on tour to Uttarakhand. Engage in frolic, dance, and sing in the streets. It’s also a delight to watch people dancing to its beat, enjoying colorfully adorned and wearing traditional clothes. You will enjoy it all!
5. Makar Sankranti
Makar sankranti has a specific name in Uttarakhand; i.e., Uttarayani. This is the Uttarakhand famous festival in Kumaon & Garhwal regions. The festival falls in January. The festival celebrates the sun’s arrival in Uttarayana (Northern Hemisphere) and welcomes migratory birds.
People prepare various vegetarian dishes like Khichdi and offer them for charity. They also take a ceremonial dip in the holy rivers and water streams. This festival will allow you to witness the various traditions of the Kumaon Region.
6. Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Dussehra is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in the holy towns of Rishikesh, Allahabad, and Hardiwar. The festival falls in the month of May-June. People from all over the country gather at the Ganges to take a dip in water and offer prayers to Mother Ganges.
This festival is celebrated with great pomp and show. “Diyas,” lit up earthen lamps, are placed on either side of the river Ganges for five days to welcome Goddess Ganga. The ten-day-long Uttarakhandi festival is marked with great enthusiasm and excitement by the locals. Devotees also offer Kakdi, watermelons, and flowers to the mother, Ganges.
7. Nanda Devi Mela
Nandadevi Mela is a famous folk festival celebrated in Uttarakhand in the Kumaon region. One can witness the rich culture and lifestyle of the locals. The festival falls in September. You cannot miss the opportunity to see a mela that is vibrant with color & spirit.
Nandevi mela is organized at Nanda Devi Temple and depicts a moving experience. People of all ages come to the mela to witness the colorful and spectacular festival. The mela is devoted in honor of Goddess Nanda Devi and Sunanda Devi. Devotees offer prayers to the presiding deity to bring blessings of peace, prosperity, and prosperity.
8. Purnagiri Mela
Purnagiri Mela in Uttarakhand is organized in the Shri Purnagiri Temple. The festival is marked by colorful grandeur. Devotees climb an altitude of 1676 m to reach the Annapurna Peak to celebrate the sacred festival commemorating Goddess Sati. The panoramic view of the surrounding Himalayas is a grand show!
Those who plan a tour to Uttarakhand in the Chaitra Navratri must visit the Purnagiri Temple because the temple is one of the sacred places for pilgrims throughout the year. It’s a pure mixture of religion and culture.
9. Syalde Bikhauti Mela
Syalde Bikhuati Mela is celebrated in Dwarahat in the Kumaon region. The fair is held every year in April or May. The first phase of the celebration is organized in Mandleshwar Temple. The second phase of the festival is scheduled in the Dwarahat market.
Folk dance, a colorful environment, and joyous music are the main attractions of the meal. This is an ideal way to witness the rich cultural heritage as well as experience the cheerfulness of its people. Another significant ritual that attracts innumerable tourists to this festival is the ‘Oda Bhetna.’
The mela is so grand that devotees prepare for the rituals a month in advance. You will notice the local villagers sing a traditional song called Jodha. The culture, the folk-art forms, and the purity in the environment are worth watching!
10. Phool Dei Festival
Phool Dei Festival is among the striking Uttarakhand festivals. It falls in March and April. Locals come together with the joy of welcoming spring. You will enjoy seeing girls adorned in colorful traditional attires and roaming around the locality singing the folk song ‘Phool Dei.’ These girls are known as Phoolyari. They receive blessings and sweets in return from each family on the last day of spring.
Phool Dei is the beginning of the new season in Uttarakhand. People keep the collected flowers at the doorsteps of houses for the gods. The strong belief is that God is happy and that the forthcoming year will be prosperous. The beautiful festival reveals a sense of love and protection towards nature!
11. Bagwal – Devidhura Fair
Bagwal is a famous festival of Uttarakhand held in the month of Sravan. It marks an unusual tradition. In Bagwal mela, people gather from places like Nepal and Kumaon to dance, sing and throw small pebbles at each other. Throwing stones shows their exhalation and joyfulness.
Every year, on the day of Raksha-Bandhan, people celebrate the Bagwal – Devidhura Fair. It is held at Varahi Devi Temple, Devidhura. Two groups of dancing and singing locals gather together. They throw stones at each other and also try to protect themselves from the stones. These participants use large wooden shields for protection. The fair is full of joy, exuberance, and enthusiasm. So, you will have a grand time watching this festival.
12. BagwaliPokhar Fair
BagwaliPokhar Fair is held either in October or November, depending on the occasion of Bhai Dooj. People from rural areas of Uttarakhand come together to celebrate the fair. Locals believe that during their exile period, Kauravas visited BagwaliPokhar looking for the Pandavas. The mela is magnificent, where people offer oda, nagadas, shankhnaad, and two pairs of drums. The Sarankar dance is also another attraction.
This festival is celebrated on a grand scale with pomp and show. You can participate in cultural and traditional programs. You will be happy to see people celebrating this unique festival with great enthusiasm and vigor.
13. Bat Savitri
June brings the Uttarakhand famous festival, Bat Savitri. It falls in the month of Jyeshtha. The great deal of ardor and enthusiasm that people have for this festival is an excellent aspect of this celebration.
Married women who worship Goddess Savitri celebrate this festival. Devotees fast during the day of the festival. They perform various pujas and rituals for happiness and prosperity in married life.
Savitri was a woman who fought against Death and saved her husband from Death because he had a promise to his father that he would return after gaining knowledge at the end of the year. It is said that Lord Yama was captivated by Savitri’s devotion and granted her wish. And so, married women seek Savitri’s blessings for their husband’s longevity.
14. Kandali festival
Kandali Festival is an auspicious and bright celebration in Uttarakhand. The Rung tribe was founded in the Chaundans valley of Pithoragarh district, Kumaon region. They have adopted this festival as a family celebration. It marks the conquering of Zorowar Singh’s army from Ladakh.
Interestingly, the Kandali festival is a festival celebrated in Uttarakhand every 12 years. Kandali is celebrated in August or September in the Chaudans region of the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.
Rung tribes offer prayers to Lord Shiva idols made from barley and buckwheat. Worshippers come together in a procession to attack the shrub of Kandali. Joining the procession is considered to be auspicious. One can witness many folk performances and traditional rituals during this grand festival!
15. International Yoga Festival
The International Yoga Festival has been organized in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, for the last 30 years. This festival marks the relaxing and refreshing art of yoga. Many tourists join this festival and enjoy the experience of yoga.
The famous yoga festival of Uttarakhand is held at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram. It’s a 7-day long festival. Vinyasa Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Raja Yoga, bhajans, Satsang, cultural songs, and kirtans create a spiritual atmosphere. The Yoga Festival takes place in March. It’s the best festival to relieve stress and bring your natural self-back.
Wrapping Up
So, now you know about the top 15 famous Uttarakhand festivals. These festivals are celebrated best when you are a part of them. You will feel the best taste of these festivals when you celebrate them with many people.
This list allows you to enjoy the beauty and diversity of different cultures and customs. These festivals will make your Uttarakhand trip a memorable one. You will have a good time watching these festivals and feel lucky that you have been privileged to witness them!
FAQs about Festivals in Uttarakhand
How many festivals are celebrated in Uttarakhand?
Almost every other festival in Uttarakhand is celebrated with much promptness and fervor. However, the famous Uttarakhand festivals include Kumbh Mela, Basant Panchami, Bhitauli and Harela, Holi, Makar Sankranti, Kale Kauva, and more!
Does Uttarakhand have any national festivals?
Kumbh Mela is considered the national festival of Uttarakhand as it is the biggest congregation of pilgrims who take the plunge into the river Ganges to purify their mind, body, and soul.
Does Holi have other names in Uttarakhand?
In Uttarakhand, Holi is often called with the name – Kumaoni Holi along with a handful of alternative names like Kahila Holi, Khadi Holi, and Baithaki Holi.
When is the best time to visit Uttarakhand for festivals?
Find out the calendar and mark the festival dates and then plan accordingly the best time to visit Uttarakhand for festivals.
