Uttarakhand is a land of ancient cultural heritage and vibrant traditions. The state is home to several popular festivals that are celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. Each festival is unique in its own way, and showcases the rich cultural diversity of the state. In this article, we will explore seven popular festivals of Uttarakhand.
1)Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra
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The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is a famous pilgrimage in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is a 280 km trek that takes place once every 12 years, and is dedicated to the goddess Nanda Devi, who is considered to be an incarnation of goddess Parvati. The Yatra is a significant event for the people of Garhwal, Kumaon and other surrounding regions, and attracts devotees and tourists from all over India and abroad.
The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is a complex and challenging trek that takes devotees through some of the most stunning and challenging landscapes in the Himalayas. It starts from Nauti village, located in the Chamoli district, and goes all the way up to the Roopkund Lake, which is situated at an altitude of 5,029 meters. The journey takes around 19 days to complete and involves crossing high altitude passes, dense forests, and steep mountain trails.
The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is a unique pilgrimage as it involves not just humans, but also four-legged animals such as cows and sheep, who are decorated and taken along with the pilgrims. The journey is divided into four phases, and each phase involves a unique ritual that is performed to appease the goddess Nanda Devi. The Yatra is said to be incomplete without these rituals, and the devotees follow them with great devotion and enthusiasm.
The first phase of the journey involves the purification of the pilgrims and their offerings, which are carried in beautifully decorated palanquins. The second phase is the ascent to the Roopkund Lake, where the devotees offer prayers and seek blessings from the goddess Nanda Devi. The third phase is the descent from the Roopkund Lake, and the fourth and final phase is the return to Nauti village, where the Yatra culminates with a grand celebration.
The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is a significant event for the people of Uttarakhand, and it is considered to be one of the toughest pilgrimages in the world. The Yatra has a deep spiritual significance for the devotees, who believe that it helps them attain moksha or liberation. The Yatra also has a significant cultural and ecological impact, as it promotes the conservation of the Himalayan ecosystem and supports local communities by generating income from tourism.
2)Ghee Sankranti
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Ghee Sankranti is a festival celebrated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand to mark the beginning of the new year. It is usually celebrated on the day of Makar Sankranti, which falls on the 14th or 15th of January.
On this day, people light bonfires and make traditional dishes using clarified butter (ghee) and jaggery. The festival is a celebration of the winter harvest and the beginning of the new agricultural season. It is also seen as an occasion to pray for a good harvest in the coming year.
The celebration of Ghee Sankranti varies from region to region in Uttarakhand. In some places, people take holy dips in rivers or lakes, and offer prayers to the gods. In other places, people visit temples and offer fruits and flowers to the deities. In some communities, people exchange sweets and gifts with each other and sing traditional songs.
One of the most popular dishes prepared during Ghee Sankranti is gulgula, which is made by deep-frying balls of wheat flour and jaggery in clarified butter. Another traditional dish is khichdi, which is made by cooking rice and lentils with clarified butter and spices.
Overall, Ghee Sankranti is a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year and the hopes for a good harvest. It is a time for people to come together, share traditional dishes, and offer prayers to the gods for a prosperous year ahead.
3)Phool Dei
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Phool Dei is a traditional festival celebrated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand to welcome the spring season. It is usually celebrated on the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra, which falls in March or April.
On this day, young girls and boys go from house to house, singing traditional songs and offering flowers and sweets to the families. The girls make small garlands of flowers and tie them on the doorframes of the houses, while the boys carry decorated bamboo sticks and perform a dance.
The festival is an occasion for families to come together and share the joy of spring. People decorate their houses with flowers and rangolis, and offer traditional dishes like kheer and puri to the visitors.
Phool Dei is also a time for social harmony and community bonding. The festival is celebrated across all communities and castes in the Kumaon region, and is seen as a symbol of unity and brotherhood. The songs sung during Phool Dei often carry messages of love, respect, and harmony, and encourage people to work together for the betterment of the society.
Overall, Phool Dei is a beautiful festival that celebrates the arrival of spring and promotes social harmony and community bonding.
4)Harela
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Harela is a popular festival celebrated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is primarily celebrated by the people of Kumaon region, who consider it as a festival to mark the arrival of monsoon season. The festival is celebrated in the month of July or August, and lasts for a week.
The name Harela is derived from the word 'Haryaali', which means greenery. As the festival marks the arrival of monsoon, it is celebrated with the planting of seeds of various crops like millet, corn, and rice. People also plant saplings of different trees like oak, pine, and mango. The saplings are nurtured for a year and are later planted in the fields to ensure a good harvest.
The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and involves various rituals and traditions. The celebrations begin with the cleaning of homes and temples, followed by the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. People decorate their homes and temples with flowers and green leaves.
On the day of the festival, people dress up in traditional attire and offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. They sing folk songs and perform traditional dances like Langvir Nritya, Barada Nati, and Chholia. Women also apply mehndi on their hands and prepare traditional delicacies like Bhatt ke dubke, Singal, and Arsa.
The festival is a symbol of hope and prosperity for the people of Uttarakhand. It brings together people from different communities and promotes social harmony. It also highlights the importance of nature and its preservation.
In conclusion, Harela is a popular festival of Uttarakhand, which is celebrated to mark the arrival of monsoon season. The festival involves the planting of seeds and saplings, worship of deities, traditional dances, and preparation of traditional delicacies. It is a celebration of hope and prosperity, and promotes social harmony and the importance of nature conservation.
5)Uttarayani
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Uttarayani is a popular festival celebrated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is also known as the 'Kumbh Mela of the hills' and is celebrated every year in the month of January. The festival is primarily celebrated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, and is a celebration of the winter solstice.
During the festival, people take a dip in the holy rivers like the Ganges and Yamuna, and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The festival also marks the beginning of the harvesting season, and people celebrate the occasion with various cultural activities.
On the day of the festival, people dress up in traditional attire and participate in various cultural activities like singing folk songs and performing traditional dances like Jhora and Chholia. Women also prepare traditional delicacies like Gahat ke Paranthe, Arsa, and Til ke Ladoo.
One of the main attractions of the festival is the Ganga Sagar Mela, which is held in the town of Bageshwar. The festival attracts thousands of people from all over India, who come to take a dip in the holy river and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
The festival is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand and promotes social harmony and unity. It is also a celebration of the state's natural beauty, as it takes place amidst the majestic Himalayan Mountains.
In conclusion, Uttarayani is a popular festival celebrated in Uttarakhand, which marks the winter solstice and the beginning of the harvesting season. The festival involves various cultural activities like singing folk songs, performing traditional dances, and preparing traditional delicacies. It is a celebration of the state's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, and promotes social harmony and unity.
6)Ganga Dussehra
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Ganga Dussehra is a popular festival celebrated in Uttarakhand that marks the descent of the holy river Ganges on earth. The festival is celebrated in the month of May or June and is a celebration of the power of the river Ganges, which is considered holy by Hindus.
The festival is celebrated in many parts of India, but it has special significance in Uttarakhand, as the Ganges river originates from the Gangotri glacier, located in the state. The festival is celebrated for ten days, and during this period, people take a dip in the holy river and offer prayers to Goddess Ganga.
The festival is also a celebration of the natural beauty of the state, as it takes place amidst the majestic Himalayan Mountains. The holy river Ganges is believed to have descended on earth on this day, and hence, it is considered an auspicious day for taking a dip in the river and seeking blessings.
During the festival, people perform various rituals and ceremonies. They offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to Goddess Ganga, and light diyas (oil lamps) to worship the river. Special pujas (religious ceremonies) are held in various temples dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Devotees also recite the Ganga Stotra, which is a hymn praising the power of the river.
The festival is also celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor in the city of Haridwar, which is considered one of the holiest places in India. The city is located on the banks of the river Ganges, and thousands of devotees come to take a dip in the river during the festival.
7) Igas Bagwal
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Igas Bagwal is a festival celebrated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India, which is also known as the land of the gods. This festival is celebrated 11 days after the main Diwali, which is known as the Festival of Lights. It is also known as pahadi diwali.
Igas Bagwal is a unique festival that has a rich cultural significance. It is celebrated to mark the end of the harvesting season and to give thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest. The festival is also a celebration of the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, as told in the epic Ramayana.
On this day, people decorate their homes with colorful lights and traditional decorations. They also prepare traditional sweets and delicacies to share with family and friends. One of the highlights of the festival is the lighting of bonfires, which are also known as "Kartik Mangal Deep." The bonfires are lit in honor of Lord Shiva and are believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck.
In addition to lighting the bonfires, people also perform traditional dances, sing folk songs and offer prayers to the gods. The festival is a time for people to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions.
Igas Bagwal is not just a festival but also an opportunity to showcase the unique culture and traditions of the Kumaon region. The festival is a celebration of the unity and diversity of the people who live in this region.
In conclusion, the festivals of Uttarakhand are not just a time for celebration, but they also serve as a reminder of the state's deep-rooted cultural heritage. They offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life, and are an opportunity to experience the magic and beauty of this enchanting state. The festivals are a testament to the power of nature and the divine, and a celebration of the unity and harmony that exists amongst its people. From the colorful Harela to the spiritual Ganga Dussehra, the festivals of Uttarakhand are a sight to behold. They attract people from all walks of life who come to seek blessings, to celebrate and to be a part of the unique cultural fabric that makes Uttarakhand so special.
