Fairs & Festivals of Uttarakhand

The people of Uttrakhand celebrate all the major Indian festivals like Basant Panchami, Holi , Depawali ,Makar Sankranti ,Dashahara etc.

Kumauni Holi, in forms including Baithki Holi, Khari Holi, and Mahila Holi, all of which start from Vasant Panchami, are festivals and musical affairs that can last almost a month.

Ghee Sankranti, Khatarua, Vat Savitri, and Phul Dei are other major festivals. In addition, various fairs like Kanwar Yatra, Kandali Festival, Ramman, Harela Mela, Kauthig, Nauchandi Mela, Giddi Mela, Uttarayani Mela and Nanda Devi Raj Jat take place.

One of the most important festivals for Hindu Pilgrimages is Kumbh and Haridwar is one of the four places in India where this mela is organised. Other three places are Prayag, Ujjain and Nashik.

Kumbh Mela is probably the largest religious gathering anywhere around the world. Though all the Kumbh Melas are attended by millions of pilgrims, the name of Haridwar comes at the top of all Indian pilgrimages.

The last Kumbh Mela was celebrated in Haridwar from Makar Sankranti i.e. 14 January 2010 to Shakh Purnima Snan, 28 April 2010.