Festivals of Uttarakhand

The Festival Calendar of Dev Bhoomi

Uttarakhand's unique festivals are primarily agricultural and nature-based, celebrating the changing seasons, the first rains, the harvest, and the solstices. Many are specific to Kumaon or Garhwal only — making them even more special to experience.

1. Phool Dei (फूल देई)

When: March–April (Chaitra Sankranti) • Region: All Uttarakhand

The most beloved spring festival of Uttarakhand — young girls collect wild flowers (rhododendron, marigold) from the forests and place them at doorsteps of homes in the village, singing songs to invoke prosperity and blessings of spring. The doorstep floral offerings are called dei. Families give children sweets, rice and money in return.

SEO note: Phool Dei is unique to Uttarakhand and has no parallel in the rest of India.

2. Harela (हरेला)

When: July (Shravan Sankranti) • Region: Kumaon (primarily)

Harela means "Green" — a festival celebrating the onset of the monsoon and the beginning of the farming season. Nine types of seeds are sown 10 days before the festival in earthen pots and allowed to sprout without sunlight, creating pale-yellow seedlings (called harela). On Harela day, these sprouts are placed on the head of elders who bless the family. Harela songs (Chanchri) are sung by women groups throughout the day.

3. Ghee Sankranti (घी संक्रांति)

When: August (Bhadra Sankranti) • Region: Garhwal (primarily)

Also called "Olviya" or "Gharit Sankranti" — a harvest festival marking the onset of the Bhadra month. Fresh ghee (clarified butter) prepared from the milk of cows that have grazed on mountain herbs is consumed in large quantities — it is believed to bring health and prosperity. Traditional Garhwali sweets like Urad ki Kachori are prepared. Family members rub ghee on each other's heads.

4. Uttarayani (उत्तरायणी)

When: January 14–15 (Makar Sankranti) • Region: Kumaon (Bageshwar is most famous)

Uttarayani marks the sun's northward journey (Uttarayan). A massive fair is held at Bageshwar's Bagnath temple at the confluence of the Saryu and Gomti rivers. Thousands of pilgrims bathe in the sacred confluence, and the fair becomes a vibrant celebration of Kumaoni folk culture with Jhora dancing, music, craft markets and food.

Also at: Ghats in Nainital, Almora and along the Saryu river.

5. Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra

When: Every 12 years (last in 2014, next around 2026) • Region: Garhwal–Kumaon

The most important pilgrimage of Uttarakhand and arguably one of the most extraordinary religious processions in the world. A 280 km, 19-day pilgrimage from Nauti village (Chamoli) to the Roopkund glacier, led by a four-horned ram (considered divine) carrying offerings for Goddess Nanda Devi. Thousands of pilgrims participate in this once-in-12-years event.

6. Kumbh Mela (Haridwar)

When: Every 12 years (last 2021, next 2033) • Region: Haridwar

The world's largest religious gathering — held when Jupiter enters Aquarius. Millions bathe in the Ganges at Har Ki Pauri during the Shahi Snan (royal bath) dates. The 2021 Haridwar Kumbh saw an estimated 90 million visitors over 48 days.

7. Bikhauti (विखौती)

When: April (Vaishakh Sankranti) • Region: Kumaon

New Year celebration for the Kumaoni calendar — families perform puja, offer fresh seasonal flowers and new crops, and begin new ventures on this day. Fairs are held at temples across Kumaon.

8. Makar Vilakku

When: January • Region: Pauri Garhwal

A fire festival at Kandoliya Devta temple in Pauri — devotees light torches and climb to the hilltop temple at night in a procession of fire.

Festival Calendar Quick Reference