Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, the charming state of Uttarakhand lures travellers with its ethereal natural beauty, ancient myths, and vibrant cultural heritage. The state is a treasure trove of cultural gems, and fairs and festivals are a crucial part of its cultural fabric.
Whether it's the world-renowned Kumbh Mela that attracts throngs of pilgrims from across the globe or the lesser-known but equally captivating celebrations that reflect the unique customs and traditions of local communities, Uttarakhand's fairs are a true feast for the senses. So, get ready to embark on a fascinating journey with us as we unravel the secrets and splendours of Uttarakhand's most magnificent fairs.
1) Kumbh Mela
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Kumbh Mela is a Hindu pilgrimage that takes place every 12 years in four different locations in India, and one of those locations is Uttarakhand. It is one of the largest and most important religious gatherings in the world and attracts millions of people from all over the country and the world.
The Kumbh Mela in Uttarakhand takes place in the city of Haridwar, which is located in the foothills of the Himalayas. The city is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges, which is believed to have the power to cleanse one's sins. The Kumbh Mela in Haridwar is considered to be one of the most significant and auspicious events in Hinduism.
During the Kumbh Mela, devotees come to Haridwar to take a dip in the Ganges river. Taking a dip in the river is known as "shahi snan" or "royal bath". The belief is that by taking a dip in the Ganges during the Kumbh Mela, one can wash away their sins and attain salvation.
In addition to taking a dip in the river, the Kumbh Mela also involves various religious activities and rituals. There are discourses by spiritual leaders, devotional music performances, and processions of sadhus (Hindu holy men) who are known for their unique appearance and practices.
The Kumbh Mela in Uttarakhand is a time for spiritual reflection, renewal, and community.
2) Nanda Devi Mela
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The Nanda Devi Mela is one of the most exciting and colourful festivals celebrated in the northern state of Uttarakhand. This festival is dedicated to the patron goddess of the Kumaon region, Nanda Devi, and takes place in the town of Almora every year in the month of September.
The Nanda Devi Mela is a time for celebration, music, and dance. People from all over the state come together to participate in this festival and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The festival is marked by a colourful procession of people dressed in traditional attire, carrying idols of Nanda Devi and other deities.
One of the highlights of the Nanda Devi Mela is the traditional dance performances that take place during the festival. People from different villages and towns come together to showcase their unique dance styles, which are characterized by energetic movements, colourful costumes, and vibrant music.
Another exciting aspect of the Nanda Devi Mela is the marketplace that is set up during the festival. The marketplace is a bustling hub of activity, with vendors selling a wide variety of items, such as traditional clothing, handicrafts, and delicious local food. Visitors can browse through the marketplace and purchase souvenirs to take home as a reminder of their time at the festival.
The Nanda Devi Mela also provides an opportunity for people to showcase their skills and talents. A number of competitions are organized during the festival, such as singing, dancing, and sports competitions. These competitions provide a platform for people to showcase their abilities and win prizes.
3) Kanwar Yatra
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The Kanwar Yatra is a unique and exciting festival that is celebrated by thousands of devotees in the northern state of Uttarakhand. This festival involves a pilgrimage to the holy city of Haridwar, which is located at a distance of about 200 kilometres from many of the surrounding towns and villages.
During the Kanwar Yatra, devotees, also known as Kanwarias, carry decorated vessels on their shoulders, which contain holy water from the Ganges river. The water is collected from Haridwar and then carried back to their respective towns and villages. This pilgrimage is a time of great religious devotion, as the water is considered to be sacred and has healing properties.
The Kanwar Yatra is celebrated during the month of Shravan, which usually falls in July or August. It is believed that during this time, Lord Shiva, who is considered the patron deity of the Kanwar Yatra, drank the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean. The Kanwar Yatra is seen as a way to pay homage to Lord Shiva and seek his blessings.
The distance that devotees cover during the Kanwar Yatra varies depending on their location, but it can be anywhere from a few kilometres to hundreds of kilometres. Some devotees travel on foot, while others use bicycles, motorbikes, or other modes of transportation. The journey is often challenging, as it involves walking long distances and crossing difficult terrain.
Despite the challenges, the Kanwar Yatra is a time of great celebration and camaraderie. Devotees form groups and travel together, singing and dancing to the beat of traditional instruments. The festival provides an opportunity for people to come together, share their faith, and strengthen their bonds of friendship.
In addition to its religious significance, the Kanwar Yatra is also an important cultural event in Uttarakhand. It is a time when people from different regions and backgrounds come together to celebrate their shared heritage and traditions.
4) Chaiti Mela(चैती मेला)
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Chaiti Mela is an annual fair held for 15 days during Navaratri at Kashipur in Udham Singh Nagar District, Uttarakhand, featuring circus shows, fun activities, shopping stalls, and animal trading.
It is celebrated during the month of Chaitra(March-April). The fair has a rich history and cultural significance that has been passed down for generations.
In the past, the Chaiti Fair was an important trading hub where horses and other goods were sold on a massive scale. Traders from all over the country, including Delhi and Meerut, participated in the fair, making it a bustling centre of commerce. People from across Uttarakhand would visit the fair to buy and sell goods, making it a popular destination for trade and business.
Over time, modernization has eliminated the need for horses, and the trade component of the fair has lost its importance. However, the religious aspect of the fair is still prevalent, and it has become an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Maa Balasundari Devi.
The temple of Maa Balasundari Devi is located on the route to the Chaiti Fair, and it is believed that praying at the temple during Navratri, especially on Ashtami and Navami, fulfils all the wishes asked for. The temple is filled with pilgrims from all over Uttarakhand during these two days, and the atmosphere is full of devotion and spirituality.
During the Chaiti Mela, visitors can enjoy various fun activities, such as circus performances, shopping stalls, and animal trading. The fair provides an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage, and the festival is an excellent way to experience the rich traditions of Uttarakhand.
5)Bikhauti Mela
Bikhauti Mela is an annual fair that takes place in Rishikesh, a town in Uttarakhand, India. The fair is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaitra, which falls in March or April. The festival is a hub of activity, with traders from all over the region coming to sell their wares. The fair is famous for its local delicacies and handicrafts, and visitors can sample a wide range of food and buy traditional crafts such as pottery, jewellery, and clothes.
Apart from the fair, the festival is celebrated with religious rituals and ceremonies. Devotees take a dip in the holy river Ganges and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The festival is also associated with the Hindu mythology of the Samudra Manthan, where gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality. According to the legend, drops of nectar fell at four locations, one of which is Rishikesh. As a result, the festival is seen as a celebration of the divine and the eternal cycle of birth and death.
6)Uttarayani Mela (उत्तरायणी कौतिक)
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Uttarayani Mela is a popular festival that is celebrated in the town of Bageshwar in Uttarakhand, India. The festival is also known as Bageshwar Mela and is held every year in the month of January. It is one of the most important cultural events in the region and attracts thousands of people from all over India.
The festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated on the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti. It is believed that on this day, the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn, and the festival marks the beginning of the harvesting season. The Mela is famous for its vibrant atmosphere and is a hub of activity with traders from all over the region coming to sell their wares. The fair is a great place to sample local delicacies and handicrafts, and visitors can find a wide range of products such as pottery, jewellery, and clothes.
The Uttarayani Mela is also a time for religious and spiritual ceremonies. Devotees take a dip in the holy river Saryu and offer prayers at the Bagnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The festival is also associated with the Hindu mythology of the Samudra Manthan, where gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality. According to the legend, drops of nectar fell at four locations, one of which is Bageshwar. As a result, the festival is seen as a celebration of the divine and the eternal cycle of birth and death.
Apart from religious and cultural events, the Uttarayani Mela is also famous for its sports activities. The festival hosts various sports competitions such as wrestling, tug of war, and races, which attract participants from all over the region.
Conclusion
Uttarakhand is a state that is rich in culture and heritage, and fairs and festivals play an important role in its cultural landscape. From the world-famous Kumbh Mela to the lesser-known fairs of local tribes and communities, the state offers a rich and diverse cultural experience for visitors from all over the world.
The fairs of Uttarakhand not only provide a platform for showcasing the state's rich cultural heritage but also provide an opportunity for people from different regions to come together and celebrate. These fairs are not only an important aspect of the state's cultural identity but also provide an opportunity for visitors to witness the unique customs and rituals of local communities.
Whether you are a devotee seeking spiritual enlightenment or a traveller seeking a cultural experience, the fairs of Uttarakhand are sure to leave you mesmerized.