15 Festivals of Uttarakhand That Capture Its Traditions & Spirit

Kajal, 3 months ago, 6 min read, 21 Views

Overview

Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods), is famous not only for its natural beauty but also for its rich culture and vibrant festivals. These celebrations reflect the traditions, beliefs, and lifestyle of the people here. From grand religious fairs to colorful cultural events, each festival has its own unique charm.

Uttarakhand Festivals List & Chart

Here’s a quick Uttarakhand festivals list to remember these celebrations:

1. Kumbh Mela – Haridwar, every 12 years
2. Ganga Dussehra – Haridwar & Rishikesh
3. Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra – Every 12 years, dedicated to Goddess Nanda Devi
4. Bikhauti Mela – Kumaon region, April (new business year for traders)
5. Bhitauli and Harela Festival – July, welcomes rainy season & greenery
6. Phool Dei – Spring festival of flowers
7. Basant Panchami – Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, kite flying & yellow attire
8. Holi of Kumaon – Musical & cultural Holi celebration
9. Olgia (Ghee Sankranti) – August, farmers’ gratitude festival
10. Khatarua Festival – Mid-September, bonfire & seasonal change
11. Ramman Festival (Chamoli, UNESCO Intangible Heritage)
12. Kandali Festival – Once in 12 years, Johar Valley, Pithoragarh
13. Kale Kauva / Ghughutiya – January, festival for birds
14. Hill Jatra – Agriculture festival in Pithoragarh
15. Egaas (Budhi Diwali) – 11 days after Diwali, celebrated with folk songs & dances

You can also find Uttarakhand festival images with name in tourism guides and online travel websites to visually explore these vibrant celebrations.

15 most famous festivals of Uttarakhand

In this article, we will explore the 15 most famous festivals of Uttarakhand that make this Himalayan state truly special.

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1. Kumbh Mela – The Ocean of Faith

Every 12 years, Haridwar turns into a sea of humanity during the Kumbh Mela. Millions of devotees, saints, and seekers gather on the ghats of the holy Ganga. The sight of people taking a dip at sunrise is deeply moving – a belief that the sacred waters wash away sins and open the doors to moksha (liberation).
It’s not just a religious fair but a cultural kaleidoscope with akharas, saints, processions, devotional chants, and a spirit of surrender.

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2. Ganga Dussehra – When Ganga Came to Earth

Haridwar and Rishikesh glow with diyas during Ganga Dussehra. It is said that on this day, River Ganga descended from heaven to purify Earth. Families gather at ghats, offer flowers, and light floating lamps, praying for prosperity. Watching hundreds of diyas float on the river at night feels like watching the stars descend from the sky.

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3. Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra – The Himalayan Maha Kumbh

Once every 12 years, villages of Uttarakhand come alive with the grand Raj Jat Yatra dedicated to Goddess Nanda Devi. Pilgrims, dressed in traditional attire, trek through the tough Himalayan paths for weeks. The yatra is not just devotion, but also endurance, unity, and reverence for the Mother Goddess. Locals lovingly call it the “Maha Kumbh of the Himalayas.”

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4. Bikhauti Mela – A Trader’s Festival

Celebrated in April, Bikhauti Mela is special for Kumaoni traders as it marks the beginning of a new business year. Markets buzz with buyers and sellers, cultural programs light up the evenings, and the fair becomes a meeting ground for families and friends. It reflects the community spirit of Kumaon.

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5. Bhitauli and Harela – Blessings of Green

Harela, literally meaning “Day of Green,” is celebrated in July. Families sow seeds in small pots, and when the plants sprout, they are distributed as blessings. It also encourages tree plantation, reminding people to protect nature. Along with it, Bhitauli is observed where brothers send gifts to their sisters, showing love and care. Together, these festivals spread greenery, blessings, and family bonding.

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6. Phool Dei – Festival of Flowers and Innocence

Phool Dei marks the arrival of spring. Children go door-to-door, decorating thresholds with flowers and singing folk songs. In return, households bless them with sweets and gifts. The sight of smiling children carrying baskets of fresh blossoms makes this festival full of innocence, joy, and togetherness.

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7. Basant Panchami – Colors of Knowledge

Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, Basant Panchami in Uttarakhand is full of yellow – from clothes to sweets. Schools and temples host special prayers, and children fly kites under the bright spring sky. It is both spiritual and joyful, symbolizing knowledge, wisdom, and the arrival of a new season.

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8. Holi of Kumaon – A Musical Holi

Unlike the boisterous Holi elsewhere, Kumaon celebrates it with classical ragas and soulful songs. Groups gather, singing “Baithki Holi” and “Khadi Holi,” creating a musical celebration of colors. Instead of just colors, it’s a festival of melody, poetry, and harmony.

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9. Olgia (Ghee Sankranti) – The Farmers’ Festival

Celebrated in August, Olgia is a festival of gratitude. Farmers offer ghee, butter, and fresh harvest to their relatives and neighbors. Children are pampered with sweets made from ghee. It is nature’s thanksgiving, where people acknowledge the role of land, cattle, and hard work in sustaining life.

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10. Khatarua – The Bonfire Festival

As autumn begins, villagers of Kumaon light bonfires in their courtyards to celebrate Khatarua. Families gather around the fire, singing folk songs and rejoicing in the seasonal change. It’s also believed to drive away evil spirits and mark a fresh beginning.

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11. Ramman Festival (Chamoli, UNESCO Intangible Heritage)

The Ramman Festival is celebrated in the village of Saloor Dungra, Chamoli district. It is a religious and cultural festival dedicated to the village deity Bhumiyal Devta. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, this festival includes ritual performances, traditional songs, mask dances, and storytelling. It beautifully reflects the cultural richness of the Garhwal Himalayas.

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12. Kandali Festival – Once in 12 Years

Kandali is celebrated in the Johar Valley of Pithoragarh once every 12 years, when the Kandali flower blooms. Villagers perform rituals, folk dances, and processions. It is a rare festival, deeply tied with local ecology and heritage.

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13. Kale Kauva or Ghughutiya – A Festival for Birds

In January, families prepare sweets shaped like knives, swords, and other figures from wheat flour and jaggery. These are hung on strings and offered to crows and migratory birds. Children wear them like garlands. It shows how humans and birds share a bond in the hills.

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14. Hill Jatra – Festival of Agriculture

Hill Jatra is mainly celebrated in Pithoragarh to honor farming. Farmers worship their bullocks and tools, perform traditional folk dances, and celebrate the blessing of good harvest. It’s a beautiful mix of devotion, agriculture, and art.

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15. Egaas (Budhi Diwali)

Celebrated 11 days after the main Diwali, Egaas is unique to Uttarakhand. Villagers light diyas, burst crackers, and prepare special local dishes. The air is filled with dhol-damau beats as people dance in groups. It is believed that due to geographical barriers, news of Ram’s return to Ayodhya reached the hills late – hence the delayed celebration.

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Final Thoughts

These festivals are more than just rituals; they are a way to connect with nature, celebrate harvests, honor deities, and strengthen community bonds. If you are planning a visit, try to experience at least one of these most famous festivals of Uttarakhand—it will make your journey unforgettable.

FAQs about Festivals in Uttarakhand

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