List of Top 14 Festivals of Uttarakhand
#1. Magh Mela
Magh Mela: This week-long festival, held in mid-Jan, usually coincides with Makar Sankranti. Devotees carry idols of Hindu deities to Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi where the main puja is held.
#2. Tapkeshwar Mahadev Mela
Tapkeshwar Mahadev Mela: Held on Mahashivratri (late-Feb), the festival takes place in the cave-shrine of Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, 6 kilometers from Dehradun.
Also Visit – Festivals of Uttarakhand
#3. International Yoga Festival
International Yoga Festival: This annual festival, co-organized by Uttarakhand Tourism and Parmarth Niketan Ashram, is held in the first week of March.
#4. Holi
Holi: The festival of colours not only marks the end of winter but also the beginning of the sowing season.
#5. Bissu
Bissu, the harvesting festival is celebrated over a period of five days, when processions of local deities are taken out in palanquins.
#6. Bat Savitri
Bat Savitri: Celebrated on Krishna amavasya, Bat Savitri is observed by married women who pray for the long life and well being of their husbands.
#7. Ganga Dusshera
Ganga Dusshera: Worships the Ganga, with houses and temples decorated with ornate dwar patras.
#8. Bikhauti Mela
Bikhauti Mela: Celebrated in Dwarahat, literally door to heaven, in Almora district, the Meta began as a thanksgiving ritual to the former kings.
#9. Kanwar Yatra
Kanwar Yatra: Held in the month of Shravan (July-August), pilgrims trek to Haridwar, Gaumukh or Gangotri, to fetch water from the Ganga, and offer it at the local Shiva temples.
#10. Jayanti Festival
Jayanti Festival: Celebrated at the Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi, the festival celebrates the birth of Shiva.
#11. Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra
Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra: Held every 12 years, the 3-week long festival involves an arduous trek with devotees carrying an idol of Nanda Devi from Nauti village (25 kilometers from Karnaprayag) to Homekund, via Roopkund.
#12. Diwali
Diwali: Diwali celebrations in Uttarakhand are spread over five days: Dhanteras, Anant Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan or Gai Khel, and Bhai Dooj.
#13. Kumaon Festival
Kumaon Festival: Showcasing the vibrant Kumaoni culture, the event witnesses the entire community participating in the festivities.
#14. Christmas
Christmas: With a number of churches dotting the landscape of Uttarakhand, the state sports a festive look during Christmas. People celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by carol singing, all-night masses, and exchange gifts on Christmas eve.
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