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Festivals of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is the land of Gods, as it is rich in the Divine places and
various pilgrimages like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Haridwar, Hemkunth Sahib and
many more. From the Ghats of Ganga to the beautiful hills of Auli, Uttarakhand
is full of Nature’s enchanting and relishing charm. Not only nature but
Uttarklhand is full of culture and tribes and languages like Hindi, Kumaoni,
Garhwali and Jaunsari. The state is also famous for its rich culture,
tradition, attire, jewellery and festival.
In this blog we will talk about the festivals of Uttarkhand and the
Traditions related to it. Festivals of Uttarakhand is something that enrich the
heart and soul of every individual.
Here is a list of famous Festivals of Uttarakhand.
Harela: Uttarakhand is full of ennthusisam about the seasons
throughout the year. The festival Hrela is celebrated in the start of the Rainy
season to welcome it. Harela is prominent in the Kumaon region of Uttrakhand
and people celebrate in the start of ‘Shravana’ (Falls around Mid-July to
August). People celebrate it by making idols of Lord Ganesha as Dikars at the
start of Rainy season to welcome it and honor the wedding of Lord Shiva and
Godess Parvati.
People also sow seeds of multiple grains ten days prior to Harela to take
blessings of God for nurturing crops and the day of Harela that plant of
Multiple seeds called “Harela” people devote that plant to the God as thankful
gesture.
Uttarayani: Uttarayani or Makar Sankranti also known as Ghugtiya in
Uttarakhand region celebrated in mid-January. According to the Hindu
ancient scriptures, the sun switches from the sign of Cancer to the sign of
Capricorn on this day. On this day, people donate Khichdi to charity and dive
into the sacred rivers at Ranibagh and Kumaun Bageshwar (Saryu and Gomti Sangam)
(Gaula). There are also Uttarayani fairs that attract a lot of attendees to
celebrate Ghughutia (also known as Kale Kauva). Additionally, it is a moment to
physically savour. Sweetmeats are produced from wheat flour that is shaped into
drums, pomegranates, blades, swords, and other shapes before being deep-fried
in ghee. Children wear them on the morning of Ghughutia and hang them into a
necklace. Songs are often sung to attract crows and other birds towards the
Sweetmeats. These disposable jewellery items are then given out to welcome the
seasonal birds returning to the fields following the winter months.
Phool Dei: Phool Dei is celebrated in the welcoming of spring season
when flowers bloom and the nature is at its most beautiful phase. The Uttarakhand
state celebrates the harvest of the year and the arrival of spring with the
Phool Dei celebration. The harvest festival, as it occurs on the first day
of the Chaitra season (March–April) according to the Hindu calendar. It is at
this time that flowers bloom, and this is accompanied by the ceremonial pudding
known as dei, which is cooked by the locals using flour, curd, and jaggery or
gud. An essential component of the celebration is this meal.
Egaas: Egaas is celebrated 11 days after Diwali Festival in hilly
regions of Uttarakhand. It is believed that teh news of Lord Rama’s back from
14 years of exile came to hilly regions 11 days late so they celebrate Diwali
after 11 days as Egaas. During this festival, people prepare a variety of
delicacies, perform folk dances, and light their houses with candles. Even
twirling a rope with a fire lighted at one end, known as a “Bhailo,”
is a common way for people to rejoice.
Ghee Sankranti: Ghee Sankranti, a celebration that heralds the start
of the harvesting season, expresses the thanks of the community’s farmers by
showing their support. It is also referred to as the “Olgia” festival
and is observed on August 1st (Bhado), when the crops are prospering and the
milk-laden animals are ready for milking. The old custom saw nephews and
sons-in-law giving gifts to their maternal uncles and fathers-in-law,
respectively, as the celebration progressively evolved through the years.
However, the present-day context might be summed up by the fact that farmers
and craftspeople pay gifts to their landlords. Axes, ghee, datkhocha (a
metallic toothpick), and firewood are typical gifts exchanged. Eating ghee and
chapatis loaded with urad dal is a crucial part of this festival’s ceremony!
However, Uttarakhand
is the origin to several culture and tradition narrating the story of its
richness of beauty and holy beliefs but most of the festivals here revolves
around the harvest as farming is an integral part of livelihood in most of the
parts of Uttarakhand.
Do you found these festival celebrations interesting? Yes absolutely, then
visit us and witness the enchanting festive vibes of Uttarakhand. Get closer to
the lap of nature and experince the holy celebration of Devbhumi Uttarkhand.
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visit your stay today.