Explore the colourful festivals of Uttarakhand — where spirituality meets nature in celebrations like the Kumbh Mela, Harela, Phool Dei, and Kumaoni Holi.
Known as Devbhoomi or the Land of the Gods, Uttarakhand is a region where every season inspires a festival rooted in faith and community. From the divine energy of the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar to the floral joy of Phool Dei and the musical Kumaoni Holi, these celebrations showcase Uttarakhand’s deep spiritual traditions and vibrant culture.
The Spiritual Heartbeat — Major Religious Festivals
Kumbh Mela (Haridwar)
One of the world’s largest spiritual congregations, the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar takes place every 12 years, with the Ardh Kumbh every 6 years. Millions bathe in the sacred Ganga to purify their souls.
Internal Link: Sacred Pilgrimage Sites in Uttarakhand.
Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra
Every 12 years, this 280 km yatra pays homage to Goddess Nanda Devi, the guardian deity of Kumaon and Garhwal. Pilgrims traverse high-altitude routes from Nauti village to Homkund, signifying devotion and endurance.
Internal Link: Mythology of Nanda Devi Temple – Chamoli.
Ganga Dussehra
Celebrated during May–June in Haridwar and Rishikesh, Ganga Dussehra marks the river’s descent to earth. Evening aartis and floating diyas create iconic scenes along the ghats.
Internal Link: Top things to do during Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh.
Basant Panchami
Dedicated to Saraswati, goddess of learning, Basant Panchami welcomes spring through yellow attire, prayers, and kites dancing in mountain skies.
Kumaoni Holi
A distinct musical Holi celebrated through Baithaki, Khari, and Mahila Holi across the Kumaon region. Villagers sing classical ragas to the rhythm of dhol and hurka.
Internal Link: “Folk Music and Dance Traditions of Uttarakhand.”
Celebrations of the Soil — Agrarian and Seasonal Festivals
Phool Dei (March)
A spring festival where children sing and bless homes by offering flowers and rice grains. Phool Dei symbolizes prosperity and community harmony.
Harela (July)
The Harela festival celebrates fertility and the onset of monsoon. Families sow barley seeds symbolizing new life and offer the sprouts to Shiva and Parvati.
Internal Link: “Sacred Farming Rituals of Kumaon.”
Olgia or Ghee Sankranti (August)
Also known as Ghee Sankranti, this harvest festival strengthens community ties. People exchange gifts and cook with ghee, jaggery, and flour to thank nature for abundance.
Kandali Festival
A rare celebration held every 12 years in Johar Valley, Pithoragarh, marking the bloom of the Kandali flower. Locals commemorate bravery from ancient folklore.
Internal Link: “Hidden Valleys and Tribal Traditions of Pithoragarh.”
Egaas or Budhi Diwali (November)
Unique to Garhwal, Egaas Diwali is celebrated 11 days after the main festival. Bonfires, dhol beats, and jagar songs fill the mountain air with ancestral devotion.
Bikhauti Mela (April)
Kumaon’s local new year carnival, Bikhauti Mela, combines commerce, traditional fairs, and community feasts marking prosperity and renewal.
Local Fairs and Cultural Gatherings
Ramman Festival (Chamoli, Garhwal)
Ramman is a UNESCO-recognized religious festival and ritual theatre celebrated in the twin villages of Saloor and Dungra every April. Dedicated to the village deity Bhumiyal Devta, Ramman features unique masked dances, folk music, and enactments of the Ramayana. Whole villages participate in this intense cultural ritual that blends mythology, music, and drama, preserving a centuries-old legacy of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Ghughutia (Kale Kauva)
Celebrated in January, children craft edible garlands from sweets and grains for birds, especially crows, symbolizing kindness and gratitude during winter.
Hill Jatra (Pithoragarh)
An agrarian festival in Pithoragarh where farmers thank their cattle for hard work. Folk theatre and dance highlight the bond between humans and nature.
Jageshwar Fair (Almora)
Held at the Jageshwar temple complex, this fair blends devotion, craftsmanship, and spirituality, attracting pilgrims from across India.
Gindi Mela (Pauri Garhwal)
Observed during Makar Sankranti, locals play the Gindi game — a traditional ball-and-stick sport celebrating teamwork and strength.
Jhanda Mela (Dehradun)
Five days after Holi, Dehradun hosts Jhanda Mela, commemorating Guru Ram Rai’s arrival. Devotees gather to raise the grand flagpole at Darbar Sahib.
Festival Calendar of Uttarakhand
| Festival | Significance | Region / Frequency |
| Ghughutia (Kale Kauva) | Children offer sweets to birds, symbolizing gratitude | Kumaon – January |
| Gindi Mela | Traditional stick-and-ball game festival | Pauri Garhwal – Makar Sankranti (January) |
| Basant Panchami | Marks the arrival of spring, dedicated to Goddess Saraswati | Statewide – February |
| Kumaoni Holi | Musical Holi celebrating ragas and village unity | Kumaon – February/March |
| Phool Dei | Spring offering festival of prosperity and blessings | Statewide – March |
| Jhanda Mela | Flag hoisting fair honoring Guru Ram Rai | Dehradun – March |
| Bikhauti Mela | Marks new financial year for traders and farmers | Kumaon – April |
| Ramman Festival | UNESCO-listed ritual theatre celebrating local deity Bhumiyal Devta | Saloor-Dungra, Chamoli – April |
| Jageshwar Fair | Temple fair combining devotion, art, and crafts | Almora – March/April |
| Ganga Dussehra | Celebrates descent of River Ganga | Haridwar & Rishikesh – May/June |
| Harela | Festival of greenery and fertility, seed sowing | Kumaon – July |
| Hill Jatra | Agricultural fair honoring cattle and farming culture | Pithoragarh – August |
| Olgia (Ghee Sankranti) | Farmers’ gratitude festival with feasts | Across Uttarakhand – August |
| Kandali Festival | Celebrates bloom of rare Kandali flower | Johar Valley, Pithoragarh – every 12 years |
| Nanda Devi Raj Jat | Sacred pilgrimage honoring Goddess Nanda Devi | Chamoli to Roopkund – every 12 years |
| Egaas (Budhi Diwali) | Local Diwali with bonfires and folk songs | Garhwal – November |
The Spirit of Togetherness
The festivals of Uttarakhand capture the soulful rhythm of mountain life — blending devotion, ecology, and tradition. Whether it is singing during Kumaoni Holi, sowing seeds for Harela, or joining the divine tides of the Kumbh Mela, these rituals sustain the living heritage of the Himalayas.
“Each festival in Uttarakhand tells a story of faith and nature — keeping the mountain state’s spirit alive across generations.”
Plan Your Visit
Ready to experience the vibrant festivals of Uttarakhand? Plan your trip during these celebrations for an unforgettable cultural journey through Devbhoomi.
- Culture & Heritage of Uttarakhand
- Famous Temples of Uttarakhand
- Folk Music, Dance & Cuisine of Uttarakhand
- Travel Guide to Haridwar and Rishikesh
Explore related regions: Almora, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Dehradun
Share Your Experience
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