Uttarakhand is also known for festivities and
celebrations. Like other parts of India, there are a number of fairs and
festivals that are celebrated across the state of Uttarakhand. Besides
the national festivals like
Diwali,
Holi, Rakhi, Dussehra, Id and Christmas, many local festivals are
celebrated in the state. Many of these festivals are closely associated
with the onset of a new season. Have a look at some of the important
festivals of Uttarakhand.
Basant Panchmi
Basant Panchmi is a very famous festival, celebrated not only in
Uttarakhand but in the whole of North India. This festival marks the
onset of spring season. It is celebrated between the months of January
and February. On the occasion of Basant Panchmi, Goddess Saraswati is
worshipped. According to various legends, Goddess Saraswati is the
goddess of learning and music. She is also highly respected and people
seek her blessings by praying and offering to her.
Bat Savitri Festival
Bat Savitri festival is yet another very popular festival of
Uttarakhand. This festival is not only celebrated in Uttarakhand but in
the whole of India by the married women for the well being of their
husband. The Bat Savitri festival is generally celebrated on the last
day of the dark half of the month of Jyeshtha, according to the Hindu
calendar.
Harela and
Bhaitauli
This festival is mostly observed by the women folk as most of the
customs of this festivals are for the women. During this festival, they
fill their baskets with soil and atleast seven different kinds of seeds
are sowed in the soil. These seeds are regularly watered and are given
ten day's time to germinate. After ten days, the seeds sprout as green
grasses shoot out from the soil.
Khatarua
According to some people, this festival is celebrated to mark the
victory of King of Kumaon. This festival also marks the starting of the
autumn season. During this festival, bonfires are lit and cucumbers are
offered to the fire. According to popular belief, fire has the strength
to do away with all the evil. During this festival, animals are taken
special care of and are fed fresh grass.
Makar Sankranti
The festival of Makar Sankranti is an important festival as it marks
the beginning of the season of change. It is considered as a very
auspicious festival and it is celebrated not only in Uttarakhand, but
throughout the country.
Olgia Festival
The Olgia festival is celebrated on the first day in the month of
August. During this festival, the agricultural fields are filled with
crops that are ripened and there are lots of fruits and vegetables in
the trees and the cattle are very productive as well. The
agriculturists, during this festival, give various presents to the
owners of the land.
Phool Dei
The Phool Dei festival is a special festival which marks the welcoming
of spring season, by praying for general well being and by preparation
of special foods. Young girls are the most keen to participate in this
festival. They gather together and fill their plates with rice, jaggery,
leaves and flowers. Many artists perform on this occasion.
