Uttarakhand is a breathtaking destination for people of all ages, offering beauty that stretches from the peaceful Ganga ghats to the green hills and snow-capped peaks in the Himalayas. Beyond its enchanted landscapes, Uttarakhand is also a vibrant cultural heritage. Each famous festival of Uttarakhand offers a unique experience, even more memorable. Festivals in Uttarakhand celebrate between people and nature, showcasing traditional music and <a href="https://www.devbhoomi.live/folk-dance-of-uttarakhand">dance</a>, and highlighting the age-old customs that make Uttarakhand unique.
<h2 dir="ltr">Famous Festival of Uttarakhand</h2>
<ol>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Egaas
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Harela Festival
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Phool Dei
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Ganga Dussehra
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Makar Sankranti&nbsp;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Kumaoni Holi
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Magh Mela &amp; Uttarayani Mela
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Ghee Sankrati
</li>
</ol>
<h3 dir="ltr">Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra- Longest Himalayan Pilgrimage</h3>
<img src="https://admin.devbhoomi.live/storage/news/mLf7Lm8mIrksRSkNtr0tL2b9k87ZhOptrRaKHLId.jpg" alt="Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra" width="1110" height="722">
The <a href="https://www.devbhoomi.live/nanda-devi-rajjat-yatra">Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra</a> is also referred to as the Himalayan Kumbh and is Uttarakhand's most sacred pilgrimage. This yatra maintains its importance, covering 280 km from Nauti village to Homkund, all dedicated to the goddess Nanda Devi's journey to her husband's house, Lord Shiva, in the Himalaya. The yatra includes key rituals such as the Nanda Devi Palanquin, Jagar singing, and the four-horned ram, which will be the most important part of the whole yatra. This festival is a powerful blend of faith, culture, and Himalayan beauty.
Location: Kumaon and Garhwal regions
Time to visit: Every 12 years
Duration: 19 to 21 days
<h3 dir="ltr">Egaas- Festival of Light</h3>
<img src="https://admin.devbhoomi.live/storage/news/TGvQasqMr4oiloYQFyojjGm3W3HhL3kUgvAjBAzV.jpg" alt="Egaas" width="1110" height="722">
Egass is a unique and joyful festival of Uttarakhand, often referred to as the local Diwali of the hill community. According to belief, Lord Rama returned from his exile 11 days late to the upper part of India, which is the reason that Egass is celebrated. Another belief is the safe return of soldiers and young men to their villages after serving away during the main Diwali festival. It is a festival of reunion and happiness.
In Uttarakhand, locals even celebrate by spinning a rope called &lsquo;Bhailo&rsquo; with a fire lit at one end. It is one of the most colourful and famous festival of Uttarakhand that protect the local unity and rich tradition.
Location: Kumaon and Garhwal regions
When: 11 days after Diwali&nbsp;&nbsp;
Duration: 1 day
<h3 dir="ltr">Harela Festival- Celebration of Nature and Harvest</h3>
<img src="https://admin.devbhoomi.live/storage/news/6iAEj3xvtQOsjCmMhgOv0UXR358xjqX6vEEXjBQq.jpg" alt="Harela Festival" width="1110" height="722">
Harela is one of the famous festival of Uttarakhand, which is basically celebrated during the monsoon season. Harela marks the beginning of the new harvest cycle and symbolises prosperity, greenery, and the blessings of nature. In this festival, locals sow seeds of grains like barley in a small basket, and the fresh green sprouts are called Harela, then cut and placed on the head of all family members, which is a sign of good luck and protection. This day is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, pray for a fruitful season and the well-being of the family. This festival has a deep connection with nature and plants.
Location: Kumaon and Garhwal regions
Time to celebrate: In July
Duration: 10 days
<h3 dir="ltr">Phool Dei- Festival of Blossoms and Prosperity</h3>
<img src="https://admin.devbhoomi.live/storage/news/au2qv29zmtKUlsndUO1IdWkIPMwdsb0vVJo5jLJK.jpg" alt="Phool Dei" width="1110" height="722">
Phool Dei is a charming spring festival of Uttarakhand, marking the end of winter and the beginning of another season. The festival begins on the first day of the Chaitra month (April). Young girls visit their neighbourhood carrying fresh flowers, as they sprinkle them at the doorstep. They blessed each household with good fortune and happiness. In return, locals give them money and gifts as tokens of love. Phool Dei is also celebrated since the Chaitra month marks the new year according to the Hindu calendar.
Location: all regions in Uttarakhand
Time to celebrate: usually mid-March
Duration: 1 day
<h3 dir="ltr">Ganga Dussehra&ndash; Worship of the Holy River Ganga</h3>
<img src="https://admin.devbhoomi.live/storage/news/v3Ze2f8VuGVd7jHxrUEm40OUH1BIQERFpzOnc1AA.jpg" alt="Ganga Dussehra" width="1110" height="722">
Ganga Dussehra is a sacred and widely celebrated festival in Uttarakhand. Especially in Haridwar and Rishikesh, thousands of devotees and locals gather in ghats. Take a holy bath in the ghat; people believe that it purifies the body and washes away sins. Devotees and locals perform aarti after bath, praying for peace, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment. The Hindu belief is that on this day, the River Ganga descended from heaven to earth.
Location: Primarily in Haridwar and Rishikesh
Time to celebrate: June
Duration: 10 days
<h3 dir="ltr">Makar Sankranti &ndash; Welcoming Migratory Birds&nbsp;</h3>
<img src="https://admin.devbhoomi.live/storage/news/vy52WajfUfjzrxDHzvlPQsizNhnfu3gnIVdlmgB9.jpg" alt="Makar Sankranti " width="1110" height="722">
In Uttarakhand, Makar Sankranti ushers in a day of love, community spirit, and special rituals associated with this occasion. Known locally as Ghughutiya or Ghughuti, the event marks the movement of the Sun into the sign of Capricorn and, therefore, longer and warmer days. On this day, ghughute are prepared by the family, comprising special sweet snacks made up of wheat flour and jaggery moulded into rings, drums, and other motifs. At the Makar Sankranti festival in Uttarakhand, children wear garland-like chains of these sweets around their necks, while the birds that migrate here receive the same sweets as gifts. The belief that bathing in holy rivers provides benefits and purity can be seen in other places, especially Haridwar. Makar Sankranti embodies a blend of customs and beliefs about the relationship between culture and nature in Uttarakhand.
Location: all regions in Uttarakhand
Time to celebrate: January
Duration: 1 day
<h3 dir="ltr">Kumaoni Holi&ndash; Musical and Cultural Celebration</h3>
<img src="https://admin.devbhoomi.live/storage/news/d4OZh3Dzj8CR0pOpCwE5iu5pAsGm2eOAEX6LEHxl.jpg" alt="Kumaoni Holi" width="1110" height="722">
Kumaoni Holi is among the most popular festivals celebrated in Uttarakhand. This festival is steeped in Colour and tradition; however, unlike other Holi festivals celebrated across India that may be considered wild, the Kumaon Holi has a graceful, melodic quality and is truly beautiful in its traditional format. The members of this region participate in various forms of Recreational Music Performance (Baithki, Khari &amp; Mahila) using the Harmonium &amp; Dholak to sing devotional / folk songs and Classical detunes (Ragas). The celebrations of Kumaoni Holi begin weeks before, with a build-up of joy, rhythm, and community, and enhance the bond of community as people visit each other&rsquo;s homes, dance together, sing, and wear traditional clothing. The significance of Kumaoni Holi, as the most liked and highly regarded festival within this region, is representative of the Artistic Heritage left behind in the Himalayan region.
Location: Kumaon region
Duration: around 2 months
<h3 dir="ltr">Magh Mela &amp; Uttarayani Mela&ndash; Fairs Celebrating Local Culture</h3>
<img src="https://admin.devbhoomi.live/storage/news/mRsdHpFiyE4wmuJPy7lCKLhbWwL0ELHgHaEJxraY.jpg" alt="Magh Mela &amp; Uttarayani Mela" width="1110" height="722">
Magh Mela and Uttarayani Mela are among the most vibrant and culturally fair in Uttarakhand. Mela is celebrated during the winter months of Magh (January to February). This fair draws in worshippers from across India to places like Bageshwar, Ranibagh, and Hanseswari. The Uttarayani Fair, held at Makar Sankranti, creates a vibrant atmosphere of folk arts, artisanal crafts, music, dance, and food in this area. People come together from far away to take part in cultural events, offer propitiatory rites (to the deities), and trade their goods. The Uttarayani and Magh fairs symbolise the historical roots, deep ties, and natural faith of the Uttarakhandi state.
Location: Kumaon region
Time to celebrate: January
Duration: 7 days
<h3 dir="ltr">Ghee Sankranti&ndash; Honouring Gratitude and Tradition</h3>
<img src="https://admin.devbhoomi.live/storage/news/yt2YXFZYF0rS7ntyUclE3EjktFdZMeYBZ2ChCcwD.jpg" alt="Ghee Sankranti" width="1110" height="722">
Ghee Sankranti is also known as Olgia, is a traditional and famous festival of Uttarkhand. This festival reflects the beginning of the new harvest season and highlights the close relationship between people, agriculture, and nature. On this day, families prepare and consume ghee-based food, which signifies good health and plenty. Ghee is applied to both the tongue and forehead as a sign of good luck. Locally-produced foods and crops are given to those whom farmers, craftsmen, and livestock raisers hold in high regard as a form of thanks. The celebration marks the conservation of age-old traditions of Uttarakhand regarding thanksgiving, friendship, and respect for the land.
Location: Kumaon and Garhwal regions
Time to celebrate: Mid-August
Duration: 1 day
<h2 dir="ltr">Impact of Festivals on Tourism in Uttarakhand</h2>
Festivals in Uttarakhand play an essential role in promoting tourism in the region, highlighting its history, spirituality, and cultural diversity. Major events, such as the colourful Uttarayani Mela, Harela, Phool Dei, and the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, attract many pilgrims, travellers, and culture enthusiasts from across India and around the world. These festivals provide an opportunity for Indigenous peoples from many regions of Uttarakhand to come together and experience the authentic culture of the Himalayan region through traditional music, dance, food, and customs. The income generated from festival tourism benefits the economy by generating excitement for the local economy, small businesses, homestays, handicraft production, and other transportation and community support services to rural communities. Ultimately, festival tourism in Uttarakhand helps sustain traditional ways of life and supports the growth of environmentally sustainable travel throughout the region.
<h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion: Festivals as the Soul of Devbhoomi</h2>
The famous festival of Uttarakhand beautifully reflects the soul of the Himalayas and its natural beauty. These festivals not only protect the tradition but also strengthen family bonds, promote harmony, and keep the cultural identity of the region alive. Moreover, the festivals of Uttarakhand play a crucial role in attracting tourists, increasing cultural tourism, and supporting local artisans and small communities. In essence, the Festivals of Devbhoomi are much more than just events; they represent an ongoing and continuing legacy of culture for the people of Uttarakhand. They provide an opportunity for us to celebrate our history and bring together all ages, communities, and religions through shared celebrations of faith and happiness.

Get a quick look at the Famous Festival of Uttarakhand. Discover stories and colorful celebrations in a beginner-friendly format.

Famous-Festival-Of-Uttarakhand-–-Traditions-You-Must-Know