Uttarakhand Festivals: Culture, Colors & Traditions

Uttarakhand Festivals: An Exploration of Custom, Culture, and Devotion

Uttarakhand is a very beautiful state situated in the Himalayas, which is not only famous for its natural beauty and traditional cuisines but is also famous all over the world for its traditional Uttarakhand festivals, which celebrate its tradition, culture, and spirituality. Every festival here has its own story, which is based on a true incident in which the faith of the people here is very deep. From the Batsavitri festival of Kumaon festivals to the Ramman of Garwal festivals, all the festivals are celebrated with great pomp and show.

Famous Festivals of Uttarakhand

The famous festivals of Uttarakhand are not only famous in India but also among the people of the whole world, whose own importance is there. The festivals here are full of faith and devotion. There are many other entertaining festivals also here that help in bringing people together.

1. Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra(नंदा देवी राज जात यात्रा)

Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is dedicated to Mata Parvati, in which a four-horned sheep (which is considered to be a form of Nanda Devi) is kept alive and safe till the end of the journey. This journey is a pedestrian and the toughest journey of 3 weeks, which starts from Karnaprayag (Chamoli district) in Uttarakhand. This journey has been organized since 2000. In this journey, Mata Parvati takes leave from her maternal home and goes to Homkund, situated near her in-laws’ Trishul mountain.

2. Phool Dei (फूलदेई)

Even today, in hilly areas, the festival of Phul Dei is celebrated with great enthusiasm and flowers. This festival is celebrated from Chaitra Sankranti Ashtami to Baisakhi in April. On the day of Phul Dei, small children welcome the new year. On this day, small children pluck rhododendron, peach, mustard, phyoli, and other flowers a day in advance and bring them. And on the day of Phul Dei, they go out with their baskets of flowers to play with flowers in every house of the village.


3. Mahakumbh Mela (महाकुंभ मेला)

There is a popular story that during the churning of the ocean, drops of nectar fell at four places, one of which is Haridwar, where Kumbh is organized every 12 years and Ardh Kumbh every 6 years, where lakhs of devotees come from far-off places to take a bath in the Ganga. Many saints and sages also come to this fair. It is regarded as an important event in Uttarakhand’s religious festivals, drawing tourists who are interested in seeing the majesty of the occasion in addition to devotees.

Festivals in Uttarakhand: A Blend of Culture and Spirituality

Festivals in Uttarakhand are not just events but living manifestations of culture. This state presents a beautiful amalgamation of religion, nature, and tradition. Festivals here provide an opportunity for a friendly meeting in which people meet each other.

1. Khatarwa (खतड़वा)

Khatarwa is a folk festival of the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand, observed at the end of August or early September. The term ‘Khatarwa’ refers to a dry tree or wooden structure that is burned as part of the celebration. People burn the Khatarwa made in the fields and thank the Sun God and nature. During this, children sing Khatarwa songs and celebrate with Dhol-Damau.

2. Makar Sankranti (मकर संक्रांति)

Uttarakhand’s important festival, Makar Sankranti, is celebrated with considerable fanfare. On this day, bathing in the Ganges is important. On January 14th, Makar Sankranti is observed annually. The Sun enters Capricorn on this day. Sesame, jaggery, and khichdi laddus are made on this day. Makar Sankranti is referred to as the Ghughutiya celebration in Devbhoomi.

3. Ghee Sankranti (घी संक्रांति)

Ghee Sankranti is one of the cultural festivals of Uttarakhand. This festival is celebrated on the first date of the Bhado (August) month. Ghee, butter, and dishes made from it are offered to the Kuldevi deities. The elders believe that drinking ghee on this day keeps a person healthy and happy. This festival has been going on in Uttarakhand for centuries.

Religious and Spiritual Significance of Uttarakhand Festivals

The religious festivals of Uttarakhand are the identity of the people here, which shows their faith in the festivals. The festivals of this region honor the gods and goddesses and are connected with ancient stories and events.

1. Dusshera (दशहरा)

Dasshera is celebrated with great harshness and fervor in Uttarakhand. This festival is also known as Vijayadashami, which means the tenth day of victory, in which it is said that this festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, truth over untruth, and religion over injustice. On this day, Lord Rama killed Ravana, and it is believed that Goddess Durga conquered Mahishasura after a battle of nine days and killed him. On this day weapons are worshipped. This festival teaches us that we should never be proud of ourselves.


2. Igas-Bagwal (इगास-बग्वाल)

Igas-Bagwal is a symbol of the folk culture of Uttarakhand. This festival is celebrated on the 11th day of Diwali in Garhwal Mandal. There is a story behind this festival that when Shriram returned from vanvash, this news reached people in the Garhwal area late, so they celebrated Diwali later, due to which it was named Igas-Bagwal. On this day, ghee lamps are lit in homes, and delicious dishes are prepared.


3. Mahashivratri (महाशिवरात्रि)

The festival of Mahashivratri is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On this day Shiva and Parvati got married, and they took the form of Shivshakti. In the Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand, Lord Shiva is offered the fruit of Tedu (तेडू), which is extracted from the ground. On this day, Bhel Patri and Bhel fruits are offered to Lord Shiva. This festival has religious and spiritual importance in Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand Cultural Festivals: Preserving Traditions

The cultural festivals of Uttarakhand are not just festivals but are generations-old traditions through which the culture, clothing, folk language, and food are propagated among the people. The festivals, folk songs, and rituals here all have their own story, which teaches something to the living beings, and these give both locals and visitors a chance to witness the unique cultural practices of the state.

1. Kandali Festival (कंडाली महोत्सव)

The Kandali festival is a unique festival celebrated in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district, which is celebrated once in 12 years whenever the Kandali flower (Strobilanthes wallichii) blooms. This flower blooms once in 12 years; hence, this festival is also celebrated once in 12 years. Kandali is a mountain herb plant that grows in high-altitude areas. The flower of Kandali is of purple color. This festival tells us how the role of women becomes a part of nature’s love life.

2. Harela (हरेला)

The Harela festival is a traditional festival of the Kumaon Mandal of Uttarakhand. This festival is celebrated on the Sankranti of Shravan month (around July). The word Harela means a symbol of greenery that shows that green crops are about to appear on the earth. In this, sowing seeds, cutting Harela, and making traditional food are done. Harela is not just a festival but a day to express gratitude towards Mother Earth, agriculture, nature, and life. This festival in Uttarakhand is a precious example of love for nature and traditional knowledge.

3. Vikoti Sankranti (विकोटी संक्रांति )

Vikoti Sankranti is a special festival celebrated in the Garhwal Mandal of Uttarakhand, which falls on the day of the spring equinox, i.e., Vishnu Sankrani. The Vikoti festival is celebrated every year in the month of March, when day and night are equal. This festival is related to the beginning of the new agricultural season and change of weather. On this day, children go from village to village and follow the tradition of “asking for bighauti.” In some areas, it is also considered a “festival of giving food to daughters” so that there is happiness and peace in the house.