Religious & Spiritual Tourism

Festivals & Fairs of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, known as "Dev Bhoomi" (Land of the Gods), celebrates numerous festivals and fairs that reflect its rich cultural heritage, religious traditions, and vibrant local customs. From grand spiritual gatherings to colorful folk festivals, every celebration in Uttarakhand has a deep-rooted significance.

 1. Kumbh Mela – The World’s Largest Religious Gathering

✅ One of the holiest Hindu festivals, held every 12 years in Haridwar.
✅ Millions of devotees take a sacred dip in the Ganges River.
✅ A spiritual fair featuring sadhus, processions, discourses, and cultural events.

 When? Once every 12 years (Next: 2028).
 Where? Haridwar

 2. Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra – Uttarakhand’s Grandest Pilgrimage Festival

✅ A rare religious journey held every 12 years in honor of Goddess Nanda Devi.
✅ A 280-km trek across the Himalayas, covering over 19 days.
✅ One of the longest pilgrimage processions in India.

 When? Once every 12 years (Next: 2032).
 Where? Kumaon & Garhwal Region

 3. Ganga Dussehra – A Celebration of the Holy River Ganga

✅ Marks the descent of River Ganga from heaven to Earth.
✅ Thousands of devotees take a dip in the Ganges for spiritual purification.
✅ Grand Ganga Aarti is performed at Haridwar & Rishikesh.

 When? May - June (Dashami of Jyeshtha month).
 Where? Haridwar, Rishikesh

 4. Bikhauti Festival – Celebrating Victory & Prosperity

✅ A Kumaoni festival celebrated in Chaitra Navratri.
✅ People worship their ancestral swords, symbolizing victory in battles.
✅ Considered auspicious for sowing crops & prosperity.

 When? March - April (Chaitra Navratri).
 Where? Kumaon Region

 5. Uttarayani Fair – A Grand Cultural Fair

✅ Celebrated on Makar Sankranti, marking the harvest season.
✅ Known for folk performances, local handicrafts, and cultural activities.
✅ A major attraction for wrestling competitions and rural markets.

 When? January 14-15 (Makar Sankranti).
 Where? Bageshwar, Almora

 6. Phool Dei – The Festival of Flowers & Harvest

✅ A spring festival where young girls decorate houses with fresh flowers.
✅ Celebrates prosperity, good harvest, and the arrival of spring.
✅ Traditional folk songs and dances are performed.

 When? March - April (Spring season).
 Where? Entire Uttarakhand

 7. Harela Festival – Worshiping Nature & Agriculture

✅ A green festival celebrating the sowing season & arrival of monsoon.
✅ People plant saplings & pray for a prosperous harvest.
✅ Includes cultural performances & folk traditions.

 When? July (Before the monsoon season).
 Where? Kumaon Region

 8. Basant Panchami – Welcoming Spring

✅ Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom & learning.
✅ Celebrated by kite-flying, temple visits, and cultural events.
✅ Marks the onset of the spring season in Uttarakhand.

 When? January - February.
 Where? Entire Uttarakhand

 9. Kandali Festival – A Rare Tribal Celebration

✅ Celebrated by the Rang Tribe of Pithoragarh.
✅ Marks the blossoming of the Kandali plant, which blooms once in 12 years.
✅ Includes tribal music, dance, and symbolic destruction of the plant.

 When? Once every 12 years.
 Where? Pithoragarh District

 Why Experience Uttarakhand’s Festivals & Fairs?

✅ For Grand Religious Gatherings – Kumbh Mela, Ganga Dussehra, Nanda Devi Jat Yatra
✅ For Cultural & Folk Celebrations – Uttarayani Fair, Phool Dei, Harela Festival
✅ For Seasonal & Agricultural Festivities – Basant Panchami, Kandali Festival
✅ For Unique Regional Experiences – Bikhauti Festival, Traditional Kumaoni & Garhwali Rituals