Uttarakhand, the Land of Gods or "Devbhumi" has a cultural history that goes back thousands of years. The land of snowcapped mountains has a unique cultural upbringing and celebrate a variety of festivals that are rooted with deep beliefs. Here are some of the most unique festivals celebrated in this unique land. Dive in and learn more!
Bhitauli
Celebrated in the month of 'Chaitra', between March and April, Bhitauli is a festival dedicated to the married women in Uttarakhand celebrated especially int he Kumaon region. It is believed that on this day goddess Ganga decends on earth and blesses people with her divine presence.
Women dress up and sing folk songs and exchange gifts. A newly married woman receives gifts in the month of 'Baisakh' between April and May after which every year it is celebrated in the 'Chaitra' month.
Bat Savitri
This is yet another unique festival celebrated by married women who fast all day and pray for their husbands wellbeing. Sounds similar to 'karwa chauth'? Here women pray to goddess savitri who is known to have saved her husband from death and a 'vat' or a banyan tree.
Ghee Sankranti
Celebrated widely by farmers in villages, this festival is celebrated in the month of August, as it marks the beginning of the harvesting season. This is their way of showing gratitude and praying to mother nature for good harvest and prosperity. On this day, all dishes are cooked with ghee (clarified butter).
Egaas
Igas Diwali is celebrated on the 11th day after Diwali. Locals believe that the news of lord Rama reached the Himalayas and the Garhwal region 11 days after his return. Hence the locals here celebrate his return home, 11 days after the actual Diwali.
Hilljatra
Celebrated during the monsoon season, Hilljatra is a festival celebrated by farmers for the paddy fields. The locals design a fancy masquerade to highlight the different agricultural activities and masked dancers enact folk legends that represent the victory of good over evil.
Jagda Festival
To honor Mahasu Devta, Jagda festival is celebrated in the month of August every year. The festival is held in the Jaunsar-Bawar region of Uttarakhand. Mahasu devta is considered as an incarnation of Lord Shiva, the god of justice in the Mahasu Devta temple in Hanol. The festival is also known as "janopunya". Jagda festival is also celebrated with cultural programs, music, and dance. The festival is an important occasion for the people of the Jaunsar-Bawar region to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions.
Kanwar Yatra
Lord Shiva devotees take part in this festival. Kanwariyas (lord shiva worshipers), embark on an annual pilgrimage to Haridwar, Gaumukh or Gangotri to fetch the holy water of river Ganga. The devotees walk barefoot and bring some holy water back to pour it on the idol of Lord Shiva. Locals believe that this holy water flows down from heaven into the dreadlocks of Lord Shiva followed by the earth.
Khatarua
Celebrated within the pastoral and agricultural community, Khatarua is celebrated in mid-September at the onset of Autumn. Firewood and dry grass are piled together on crossroads and bonfires are lit at sunset.
Kartik Swami Mahayagna
This festival is held for 11 days and is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya or Kartik Swami, who is believed to be the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. The festival involves the performance of a grand yagna or a sacred fire ritual, which is believed to purify the environment and bring peace and prosperity to the region. The festival is marked by the chanting of Vedic hymns, the offering of oblations to the fire, and the performance of various religious rituals.
Phool Devi
Enter spring, and the spring harvest brings in the Phool Devi festival in Uttarakhand. This is celebrated around mid-March and is celebrated by young girls who pluck flowers from open fields to come back and decorate their homes. A traditional dessert of curd, flour and jaggery is made and served to family members and guests.
Anduri Utsav
This is also known as the butter festival of Uttarakhand. It is celebrated by lord Krishna worshipers every year to thank lord Krishna from protecting their cattle in the hilly regions of Dayara Bugyal in Uttarakhand. The festival is held in the months of August and September. During the celebrations, people smear each other with butter, milk and buttermilk.
Which of these unique festivals did you enjoy reading about the most? Have you seen something similar up-close? Have you experienced the richness of Indian traditions and culture and the colorful festivals our country hosts every year? Let us know in the comments below.
Here is a the ultimate list of 45 places to visit in Uttarakhand. Learn about India's holiest pilgrimage 'The Char Dham Yatra' in Uttarakhand, Dev bhumi.
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