The Hindu holy state of Uttarakhand is also one of the most stunning places on Earth. Uttarakhand is known for its abundance of festivals and fairs. Fairs and festivals in Uttarakhand have helped preserve the region’s cultural customs and folk music.
The people of Uttarakhand have an abundance of grateful attitude, as demonstrated by the profusion of festivals and fairs that celebrate and promote environmental preservation in the state. Fairs and festivals provided a convenient venue for distant relatives to meet during the early modern period when travel was difficult due to a lack of available transportation.
With its reputation as the Gods’ temporary home on Earth, the state hosts a small number of unique holidays. Even the act of praying for the departed might be considered a little festival, but the Kumbh Mela in Uttarakhand represents the largest celebration of them all.
The 10 most famous festivals in Uttarakhand are listed below:
1. Purnagiri Mela
Among the many celebrations enjoyed in Uttarakhand, Purnagiri Mela is among the most well-known. The festival is hosted in the Shri Purnagiri Temple, which is located on Annapurna Peak. It is claimed that the navels of Sati and Savant Prajapati were severed by the Vishnu Chakra right where the temple now stands.
The Mela is even more enjoyable with the spectacular mountain backdrop. The Hindu holiday of Navratri, a time of great reverence and good fortune, coincides with the Mela. The Mela is held in the Shri Purnagiri temple, which is conveniently located in close proximity to the cities of Tunya and Tanakpur.
Tanakpur, on the right bank of the Kali River in the Champawat District of the Kumaon Region, is 20 kilometers from the temple, whereas Tunya is located 17 kilometers distant. During the Navratri celebration, many devotees make the journey to the holy temple, which is considered one of the 108 Siddha Peethas.
Date: January 14, 2025 (Paush Purnima) and ending on February 26, 2025 (Maha Shivratri).
Location: Purnagiri Temple, Tanakpur
Best Time to Visit: March to April
Duration: Approximately 2 months
Travel Experience Details:
- Spiritual Significance: The festival is dedicated to Goddess Purnagiri, attracting thousands of devotees.
- Pilgrimage: Participate in the pilgrimage to the Purnagiri Temple, located atop a hill, offering scenic views of the surrounding area.
- Cultural Experience: Witness traditional rituals, local music, and dance performances.
- Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for the trek and stay hydrated. Accommodations can be found in nearby Tanakpur.
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2. Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Dusshera, also known as the Dasar Festival, is held annually in the months of May and June in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is called the Celebration of the victory of good over evil. Ten days are dedicated to celebrating and honoring the Ganga River.
The Hindu belief holds that on this day, the divine River Ganga came down from the heavens. This Uttarakhand celebration begins on the Amavasya night (waxing moon) of the Hindu calendar and continues until the Dashami tithi (10th Day).
The holy cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh host Aartis on the banks of the Ganges during Ganga Dusshera. During Ganga Dussehra, devotees traditionally bathe in the holy Ganga River to purify their spirits. People often meditate on the banks of the Ganges after they have finished their baths. Devotees gather along the riverbank each night to float clay lights and sing spiritual chants. Read Also: Dussehra Festival 2024: Celebrations and Rituals in Indian States.
Date:Â Thursday, 5th of June
Location: Haridwar, Rishikesh, and other towns along the Ganges
Best Time to Visit: June
Duration: 10 days
Travel Experience Details:
- Holy Dips: Devotees take holy dips in the Ganges River to cleanse their sins.
- Rituals: Participate in various rituals and offerings to the river goddess.
- Cultural Events: Enjoy cultural performances, including music and dance.
- Tips: Arrive early to avoid the crowds and find a good spot by the river.
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3. Kumbh Mela
The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest and most well-attended celebrations in all of Uttarakhand. As the world’s largest religious gathering, participants bathe in the Ganges to wash away their sins.
The location of this mela, which lasts for three months, changes every four years, taking place alternately in Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik. Following extensive procedures, the Vikrant calendar chooses the exact date. Read Also: What is Kumbh Mela? Guide Destinations, Types, Ritual, History & Facts of Kumbh Festival.
Date: Mon, 13 Jan, 2025 – Wed, 26 Feb, 2025
Location: Haridwar
Best Time to Visit: Every 12 years (next expected in 2033)
Duration: Several weeks
Travel Experience Details:
- Mass Pilgrimage: Join millions of pilgrims from all over India and the world.
- Holy Bathing: Participate in the ritual bathing in the Ganges River, believed to purify the soul.
- Spiritual Gatherings: Attend discourses by saints, sadhus, and religious leaders.
- Tips: Plan accommodations well in advance. Be prepared for large crowds and maintain personal safety.
4. Basant Panchami
The Hindu celebration of Vasant Panchami, also known as Saraswati Puja in her honor, is a time for getting ready for spring. Basant Panchami is a Hindu festival honoring the first day of the spring season, also known as Basant.
A major celebration in Uttarakhand. It is observed in the months of Magh (January/February) because it celebrates the end of the cold, dead winter.
Residents celebrate by donning yellow garb, dancing the Chounphula and Jhumelia, and launching kites into the sky.
Saraswati, the goddess of music, art, and culture as well as wealth and success in life and the land, is worshipped by the people of this culture. Every family has a recipe for sweet rice.
Date:Â Sun, 2 Feb, 2025
Location: Throughout Uttarakhand
Best Time to Visit: February
Duration: 1 day
Travel Experience Details:
- Spring Festival: Celebrate the onset of spring with vibrant yellow attire and decorations.
- Worship Saraswati: Participate in rituals dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of learning.
- Kite Flying: Enjoy kite flying, a popular activity during this festival.
- Tips: Join local festivities and partake in traditional sweets and foods.
Read Also: Guide to Ganesh Chaturthi Festival
5. The Bhitauli and the Harela
Every three months, residents of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand celebrate Harela, a festival that marks the beginning of a new season. Chaitra Navratri in the months of March/April and Chaitra, Sharad Navratri in the months of Ashwin and Shravan, and Shravan Purnima are all times when this Kumaoni Hindu folk festival is held (late July).
As a follow-up, the next celebration, Bhitauli, is when families traditionally give money to their young daughters. Community members who make their living in agriculture are the ones that show the most respect for this event.
As a sign of the coming harvest, women sow seven different kinds of grains into the ground on the first day of this nine-day festival (the two Navratris). Harela refers to the yellow leaves present in the plant at the time of its germination. On the ninth day, the Harela are clipped and worn either behind the ears or atop the head.
Date:Â July 16, 2025
Location: Kumaon region
Best Time to Visit: Bhitauli (April), Harela (July)
Duration: 1 day each
Travel Experience Details:
- Agricultural Significance: Celebrate the sowing of seeds (Harela) and the arrival of new crops (Bhitauli).
- Cultural Practices: Participate in traditional rituals and observe local customs.
- Community Gatherings: Enjoy community feasts and social gatherings.
- Tips: Experience the rich cultural heritage of the Kumaon region through these festivals.
Read also: Traveling from Delhi to Kainchi Dham: A Detailed Guide
6. HoliÂ
Holi is another well-known celebration in Uttarakhand, however, the Kumaon region goes all out for it. Even before Basant Panchami, people begin to celebrate.
According to legend, good eventually wins out in the end and the festival of Holi is a celebration of that fact. Holika Dahan (the burning of a pyre) is a traditional feature of Holi celebrations in the plains, but in Uttarakhand, where the harvest has not yet occurred, no ears of grain are sacrificed at the sacred fire.
The folk music of Uttarakhand is an integral feature of the Holi festivities. Mahila Holi is celebrated by women singing their hearts out; Khadi Holi is celebrated by donning traditional garb, and Baithiki Holi is celebrated by singing a variety of classical ragas. Read More: Holi 2023, the Color Festival in India.
Date:Â Fri, 14 Mar, 2025
Location: Throughout Uttarakhand
Best Time to Visit: March
Duration: 1-2 days
Travel Experience Details:
- Festival of Colors: Participate in the vibrant and joyous celebration of Holi.
- Color Throwing: Join locals in throwing colored powders and water.
- Cultural Performances: Enjoy traditional music, dance, and Holika Dahan (bonfire).
- Tips: Wear old clothes and protect your eyes and skin from the colors.
7. Phool Dei
Phool Dei is a Uttarakhand festival that marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. During this time, the villagers prepare a ceremonial pudding called dei from ingredients like jaggery (or gud), curd, and flour to celebrate the arrival of spring and the blooming flowers. It would not be a celebration without this meal.
Participation from young women is essential to the success of this Uttarakhand celebration. They perform the traditional hymn “Phool Dei” as they pass from home to home, receiving donations of jaggery, rice, and coconut in exchange. Flowers and rice are left at people’s doorsteps in the belief that it will bring good luck. For their kindness, the girls receive treats and prayers.
During this week-long celebration, locals offer prayers for success in battle and worship a Lord Shiva statue crafted from barley and buckwheat. After the flag has been raised, there will be a pooja and a feast to celebrate. There are shouts of triumph and a recreation of the resistance scene. Even the Kandali shrub comes under attack from the residents. The local booze is a big element of the celebration too. All night long, people party and celebrate.
Date:Â Sun, 30 Mar, 2025
Location: Throughout Uttarakhand
Best Time to Visit: March
Duration: 1 day
Travel Experience Details:
- Spring Festival: Celebrate the arrival of spring with flower offerings.
- Rituals: Children go door-to-door, placing flowers and rice on doorsteps, and singing traditional songs.
- Community Spirit: Experience the warmth of local hospitality and traditions.
- Tips: Join in the festivities and enjoy the local delicacies prepared during the festival.
8. Nanda Devi Raj Jaat
Uttarakhand celebrates Nanda Devi Raj Jaat, also called the Himalayan Mahakumbh, during which the goddess is honored under her many names, including Nanda, Gaura, Raj Rajeshwari, and the Garhwal division’s own Raj Rajeshwari.
Pilgrims are coming from all across India, including the Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand, to take part in the sacred yatra. In Hindu mythology, Goddess Nanda Devi has a dual role as the offspring of the Mountain King and the consort of Lord Shiva.
Nanda Devi is worshipped as an incarnation of Parvati or as her sister, depending on your religious affiliation. Goddess Nanda Devi is revered as the supreme deity in both the Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand.
Once every twelve years, the Chamoli District of the Garhwal Region hosts a three-week-long event. Almost twenty-two days are required to finish the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra’s lengthy itinerary.
Location: Kumaon and Garhwal regions
Best Time to Visit: Every 12 years (next expected in 2030)
Duration: 3 weeks
Travel Experience Details:
- Pilgrimage: Participate in the arduous trek to the Nanda Devi shrine.
- Cultural Rituals: Observe traditional rituals and ceremonies dedicated to Goddess Nanda Devi.
- Scenic Trekking: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas during the trek.
- Tips: Prepare for challenging trekking conditions and acclimatize to the altitude.
9. Baurani Fair
The Baurani Fair is a popular festival held in the town of Baurani, which is located in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas. It is celebrated 15 days after Diwali in the open space outside the Saimdevta temple in Baurani. The fair has great religious significance as well as being one of the hubs for commercial activities in the past.
Location: Baurani, Almora district
Best Time to Visit: April
Duration: 1 day
Travel Experience Details:
- Local Festivities: Experience the vibrant local fair with cultural performances and traditional games.
- Market Stalls: Explore stalls selling local handicrafts, food, and other items.
- Community Gathering: Enjoy the festive atmosphere and interact with locals.
- Tips: Arrive early to fully experience the fair and its activities.
10. Chandrabadni Fair
A famous fair takes place in the Tehri district region of Uttarakhand every year that is dedicated to a number of holy deities and is one of the most popular fairs in the state. Chandrabadni fair, one of the biggest fairs held in Uttarakhand each year in their Tehri district region, is one of the most popular fairs in the state.
Location: Chandrabadni Temple, Tehri Garhwal
Best Time to Visit: April
Duration: 1 day
Travel Experience Details:
- Temple Visit: Participate in the pilgrimage to the Chandrabadni Temple, dedicated to Goddess Sati.
- Rituals and Offerings: Observe and partake in the rituals and offerings at the temple.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for the trek to the temple and respect local customs and traditions.
Uttarakhand celebrates the changing of the seasons with a plethora of large-scale celebrations. People in Uttarakhand hold festivals and fairs year-round, celebrating everything from minor successes to major ones, and doing so while constantly showing gratitude to Mother Nature for her bountiful gifts and encouraging a strong sense of community.
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Festivals of Uttarakhand: FAQs
1. What are the main festivals celebrated in Uttarakhand?
The main festivals in Uttarakhand include Phool Dei, Harela, Ghee Sankranti, Kumaoni Holi, and Diwali.
2. When is the Phool Dei festival celebrated in 2025?
The Phool Dei festival in 2025 is celebrated in March. The exact date is typically around mid-March, but the specific date can vary each year. For 2025, Phool Dei is expected to be celebrated on March 14.
3. What is the Phool Dei festival?
Phool Dei is a harvest festival celebrated in Uttarakhand, where young girls decorate the threshold of their homes with flowers and offer traditional sweets.
4. Why is Harela an important festival in Uttarakhand?
Harela marks the beginning of the monsoon season and the start of the sowing cycle. It is a symbol of prosperity and good harvest.
5. What is special about Kumaoni Holi?
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Kumaoni Holi is unique for its musical gatherings and is celebrated in three forms: Baithki Holi, Khari Holi, and Mahila Holi, emphasizing community singing and dancing.
6. Are there any national festivals specific to Uttarakhand?
While national festivals like Diwali and Holi are celebrated, Uttarakhand also celebrates its state-specific festivals like Harela and Phool Dei.
7. What are some famous temples that host festivals in Uttarakhand?
Famous temples like Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Jageshwar host grand celebrations during festivals, attracting thousands of devotees.
8. What is the significance of Ghee Sankranti in Uttarakhand?
Ghee Sankranti, also known as Olgia, is a festival where people consume ghee and other dairy products, symbolizing prosperity and good health.
9. Which festival in Uttarakhand marks the new year for the local community?
The Harela festival marks the new year for the local community, especially among the Kumaoni people.
10. How is Diwali celebrated in Uttarakhand?
Diwali in Uttarakhand is celebrated with traditional fervor, involving lighting oil lamps, bursting fireworks, and performing Lakshmi Puja, similar to other parts of India.
