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The Himalaya is often referred to as the abode of Gods. Its serene atmosphere snow clad peaks, swift flowing rivers and green valleys spread over vast areas are touched by a common undercurrent of spirituality. the Garhwal regions are dotted with ancient temples. On auspicious occasions, these centers of faith turn into venues of fascinating festivals, when people from far and wide gather there to offer their obeisance to the deity and give musical expression to their joy and happiness. This brochure present a brief description of the fascinating fairs & festivals of the Garhwal regions, that reflects not only the innocent expressions of jay but also provides an insight into the rich cultural tradition of the regions.

Distt. : Nainital

Jhanda Fair is held every year at the historic Guru Ram Rai Darbar in Dehradun City on the fifth day after Holi in the sacred memory of the Guru. The fair begins with putting up a new Jhanda (Flag) on the staff located in the compound of the historic complex. Besides local peple, a large number of devotees turn up from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, U.P. and Himachal Pradesh etc.

Tapakeshwar is a legendary place located on the eastern bank of the river Tons. Lord Shiva is the reigning deity of the ancient temple located here in a cave. In the Skandapurana, the place has been referred to as Deveshwara. It is believed that during Dwaparyuga this place was abode of Guru Dronacharya who livd here with his family. Since then, the cave was known as Drona Gufa. One of the famous heroes of Mahabharata and osn of Guru Drona, ashwathama, was born here. When Ashwathama was very young, the poor father could not find any milk for him. The Guru was too poor to afford a cow. It was a matter of worry to the great master. One day, when young Ashwathama was crying for milk the helpless Guru advised him to pray and worship Lord Shiva who would bless him with milk. Ashwathama did so. Pleased with the young boy’s tough penance, Lord Shiva appeared before him in the garb of Brahmin and enquired about his wish.Little Ashwathama asked for milk. Lord shiva blessed him and said theat milk would be made available here. Ashwathama found milk falling on the Shivalinga, drop by drop.

Ashwathama had prayed to the Lord by the name of Tapakeshwar and hence the place was known by the same name.A big fair takes place here on the Shivratri day. Thousands of devotees congregate at this place on the day to offer prayers. Tapakeshwar is approachable from Dehradun by City Bus or Three Wheellers. It is about 5 kms. from the Railway Station.

Lakshman siddha is one of the four siddhpeeths around Dehradun. It has immense religious importance. It is about 10 kms away on Dehradun-Rishikesh Road. It can be easily approached by city bus or three-wheelers and is located about 1 km off the road inside jungle. It is mainly a local religious fair held every Sunday, but last Sunday of April has a special significance, when people turn up in very large number and congregation of 20 to 25 thousand people can be seen offering obeisance to the samadhi here.

This fair is held at the Jhanda ground in contonment area of Chakrata block of the Dehradun district. It is about 3 kms from Chakrata. The fair reflects cultural heritage and tradition of Jaunsari tribe. A large number of people turn up in this fair from nearby Tehri, Uttarkashi and Saharanpur districts. The fair marks harvesting season in the area and reflects the happiness of the local people.

Mahasu Devta’s fair is held at Hanol which is about 120 kms on the Chakrata Tyuni road. The fair takes place in August every year, when Mahasu devta (deity) is taken out in a procession Musical prayers continue for three days and nights. The haven samagri (offering material) is arranged by the Government of India. This is a local fair of jaunsari tribe. Thousands of participant throng the place on the occasion from the adjacent Tehri, Uttarkash and saharanpur district.

This fair is held at Ramtal in Nagau gram sabha of Chakrata tehsil in Dehradun district. Ramtal is a beautiful natural tank of about 30 mts. length and 30 mts. width, located on a hill and is connected with a 700 mts. long motorable road. The tank is surrounded bty a green ground which is the venue of fair. Every year during navrataras (April) a big fair is held here. A temple and a memorial dedicated to the freedom fighter Veer Kesri Chandra is located at this spot.

Distt. Tehri

This fair has a legendary background. Gautam Rishi used to go for a sacred bath in the Ganga every morning. for him, this had become part of his everyday life.Once, the king of Gods – Indra asked surya (sun) as to who was the most beautiful woman on the earth. The Sun parried the question and said ‘Most of people are busy in their work when I shine during the day and it is very difficult for me to judge as to who is ugly and who is beautiful’. Indra asked the same question of Chandradev (Moon God) who said that Ahilya, the wife of Gautam Rishi residing at the confluence of Yamuna and Tamsa was the most beautiful woman on the earth. Hearing this, Indra was overtaken by evil and lust and made up his mind to aquire Ahilya by hook or crook.

Unbecoming of the king of Gods as he was, Indra entered the Ashram (hermitage) of Gautam at midnight and mimicked the call of a cock. Unaware of the wicked designs of Indra, Rishi Gautam set out for bathing in Ganga as usual, mistaking as the dawn. Finding Ahilya alone at home as soon as the sage left, Indra knocked the door and impersonating as Gautam, tried to bluff here. Ahilya was a pious hearted lady. She sensed the evil designs of Indra and cursed him to be a leper with a thousand eyes.

Meanwhile, Gautam reached Ganga and entered the holy water for bath. The river Goddess was pleased with the punctuality and devotion of Gautam. She asked him to return home immediately as his wife was in trouble. The Rishi turned back in a hurry, leaving his Kamandal (sacred pot) there. Later, the Goddess Ganga herself returned the Kamandal, filling it with holy water, which was set up in the Ashram in the form of a sarovar (tank). She also gave a boon that the tank’s water will be equal in holiness to the actual Gangajal and those who have a hly dip in the tank will earn the same blessing as one who has a hly dip in the Ganga. Since then, this place, which is about 8 kms. on Dehradun-Saharanpur Road, is a hly bathing place of religious importance. Thousands of devotees visit the spot in April and October, when a big fair takes place here.

Surkhanda Devi Fair is hel on the Ganga dussehra day at Surkhanda Devi temple, located at a distance of 33 kms. from Mussoorie. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is an important pilgrimage center. It can be reached by trekking about 2 kms. from Kaddukhal via Dhanolti on the road to Chamba. The worship of the Goddess is the main attraction of theis fair. Besides folk music and dance, the traditional handicrafts are also on display.

This fair is held in October every year during Navrataras at narendra Nagar. Over fifty thousand people gather here to participate in various activities. Display of skill and strength by the youth, handicrafts and handmade articles are main attractions of this fair.

Distt. Uttarkashi

Magh mela takes places on the occasion of makar Sankranti (January) in Uttarkashi every year. It is an important event of the district from religious, cultural and commercial point of view. a large number of local people and tourist participate in the mela, with many pouring in from different parts of Kunaon, Garhwal and other parts of Uttar Pradesh.

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Ages of rich tradition, warm and hospitable people, a landscape of breathtaking variety and beauty - all combine to pack each year in Himachal with a variety of fairs, festivals and celebrations. There are some 2000 deities worshipped in Himachal and numerous fairs and festivals are held in their honour. There are others that began as if just yesterday - and have added their colours to the grand collage. From religion to trade, from seasons to sports - and month by month - here is a joyous celebrations of life.

JANUARY : A cliche if you will - but often laced with snow - the year opens with a heady cocktail. Thousands of revelers head to celebrate the new year in Shimla, Chail (Solan), Manali (Kullu) and Dalhousie (Chamba). Around New year comes Halda in Lahaul, which is a more private celebration of the event. Along the valleys of Chandra and Bhaga rivers, a few members of every household step out with lighted cedar twigs to a west oriented place selected by the 'lamas'. These slender branches form the first flames of a bonfire which is then dispersed. Shiskar Apa, the goddess of wealth is worshipped, and the dancing continues for a couple of days.
There is greater sobriety, but no less joy, when Lohri or Maghi comes along in mid January. This is the traditionally mid winter day and also commemorates the last sowing of the Rabi crops. Community bonfires, folk songs and dancing, mark the festival. In tribal Spiti, Dechhang is celebrated at the height of winter, while the Lahaul area reserves it for early April. At Paonta Sahib (Sirmour) the major focus is on Guru Gobind Singh's birthday. The town and other gurudwaras close to it, are closely linked with the Guru's life.
On a mid-night towards the end of Paush (December-January), Phagli begins in Lahaul's Pattan valley with snow being packed in a conical basket - kilta.
This is upturned on the roof, this resembles a Shivalinga. Shiva, Naga and the goddess, Hadimba are worshipped, and the younger generation mark this by venerating the village elders. Chhang and lugari, locally brewed liquors flow freely, and ritual dishes are eaten. Kinnaur's Sazi (or Sazo), also comes at around this time.

More contemporary -events come in the form of the National Snow Statue Competition at Kufri (Shimla), the Folk Dance Competition on Republic Day at Shimla. and the Water Sports Regatta at Kangra's Maharana Pratap Sagar. To make this wonderful time of year all the more attractive, Himachal Tourism offers special discounts and packages in its wide network of hotels.

FEBRUARY : Snow continues to play a major part in February's festivals and Himachal's Winter Carnival is also held this month.
Gochi in the Bhaga Valley is an unusual festival when the villagers celebrate the birth of male children. Token marriages of children below the age of six are also performed - comes when children throw snow balls at each other.
Baba Barbhag Singh Mela is held in Una to honour the sage who was renowned for his magical powers. Basant Panchmi marks the arrival of spring in the lower areas, and every town seems to keep a reserve of colour for the occasion and the skies are filled with a medley of kites.
Ritual dances and an unbelievably rich imagery mark Lossar. This is celebrated in Buddhist areas throughout the state while Lahaul's monasteries have some of the most spectacular performances. On its eve, the stylized chhaam dance with elaborate costumes and masks, commemorate the assassination of the cruel Tibetan king, Langdarma of the 9th century. Often - though wrongly - called 'the devil dance', it symbolises the triumph of good over evil.

MARCH : Centered around the temple of Trilokinath, Char is celebrated in Lahaul. The town of Mandi with Its ancient temples revels in the Shivratri fair for a whole week. On elaborately decorated palanquins, hundred of local deities are carried to the town. Accompanied by folk bands, they make their first stop at the Madho Rai Temple and then go to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva at the Bhootnath Temple. This is followed by festivities - music and song, dance and drama. Yet, all the while the atmosphere is surcharged with deep religious devotion.
In third weekof March, the fascinating Nalwari fair is held at Bilaspur. Cattle are traded, there are wrestling bouts – aero and water sport shows are recent additions.

Holi Festival is a riot of colours and celebration of spring, alogng with it comes laughter and vitality. There are exuberant celebrations at Palampur (Kangra) and Sujanpur (Hamirpur). By the banks of the river Yamuna the shrine of Paonta Sahib in Sirmour is thronged by Hindu and Sikh devotees . In Sirmour, the Balasundari fair is held at Trilokpur near Nahan, it coincides with the sacred days of the Navratras. The temple of Baglamata, near Bankhandi in Kangra is also a major focus during these days.

Chait, the first month of lunar calendar is celebrated with dancing by women in Kullu and by folk singers in Chamba.
At the shrine of Deothsidh (Seo) on the district border of Hamirpur and Bilaspur, a month long fair is held in March and April.

APRIL : Held on the first Baisakh - the 13th April - Baisakhi is one of Himachal's very important festival. Rooted in the rural agrarian tradition, it bids final farewell to winter. At Tattapani near Shimla, at Rewalsar and Prashar lakes near Mandi, people take purifying dips in water. Numerous village fairs complete with wrestling, dancing and archery are also held on this day.
In April, Rali with its clay models is marked in Kangra. Legend has it that the beautiful Rali was married against her wishes and on the way to her husband's home, she leapt into a stream. The husband jumped in after her and trying to save both, Pali's brother also dived info the fast flowing waters. All three died. Today, clay models are made in every house to mark that day, while unmarried girls pray for grooms of their choice and the newly-wedded ask for happiness and prosperity, At Chamba, the Sui Mela is thronged by women and children and at the village of Taraur in district Mandi, the Mahu Nag fair Is held. The holy Markandaya fair Is held near Bllaspur and the Rohru (Shimla) Jatar is held in honour of the deity Shikhru. This is also the time when fishing and low altitude trekking raise their winter barriers, while the Spring Festival Is celebrated in Kullu from April 28 to 30.

MAY : May gushes In with a whole series of river rafting festivals and water sports Regattas, through-out the state. Focused around the goddess Hadimba Devi, Kullu celebrates the Dhoongri fair. In the same district, the Banjar fair and the Sarhi Jatar are held in May.
Near Shimla at the exquisite glade of Sipur below Mashobra, the charming Sipi fair is held. It is traditionally a time for match-making.

Throughout Himachal a variety of programmes are organised by the Department of Language, Art and Culture. Dharamsala's (Kangra) summer festival and the programmes organised by the Tibetan Institute for Performing Arts, lift their curtains. The skies are blue and clear for the Hang Gliding Rally at Billing near Kangra, white Summer Sking glides smoothly at the Rohtang Pass.

JUNE : A wide spectrum of national talent, a variety of programmes and a splendid setting make Shimla's Summer Festival - a memorable event. Shimla also hosts the Red Cross Fair, sport tournaments, flower shows, a photographs and posters exhibition and a fashion show based on folk costumes. The Kangra Festival is also held in June at Kangra, At Solan, on the third Sunday of the month, the Solan Fair honours the goddess Shoolini, the presiding deity of the region. On June's full moon night, the Ghantal festival is held at Lahaul's Guru Ghantal Monastery. And of course, given the time of the year and the possibilities it offers, there are various camping and trekking expeditions.

JULY : In the arid trans-Himalayas. At Kaza's Ladarcha fair (Lahaul & Spiti), the old trade routes come alive as traders barter and sell a variety of goods and produce. At Keylong, the Lahaul Festival is also held this month. Elsewhere in the state, Haryali (Rhyali, Dakhrain) announce the advent of the monsoon rains.
Shravana Sankranti is celebrated at Nahan (Sirmour), at Arki (Solan), buffalo fights mark the Sair fair it is held in honour of Banar Sevta of Shari, the Rampur (Shimla) Jatar is held near Jubbal in district Shimla. July also heralds the travelling and trekking season to Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti.

AUGUST : Chamba's famous Minjar fair which celebrates the bounty of nature and prays for a good harvest is normally held in August. 'Minjars', maize shoots or silken strands, are cast on the waters of the river Ravi and the town immerses itself in a week long of celebration.
Also in Chamba, the Manimahesh Yatra to the sacred tarn of Manimahesh is held immediately after the festival of Janamashtmi. At Bharmour, 28 km short of the lake, the nomadic Gaddis hold a fair for six days.
Celebrated in Chamba, Kullu and elsewhere, Chrewal, Badronjo or Patroru is a festival of fire and flowers - and a time for purification of the fields.
In August, several places in Chamba, Bilaspur and Sirmour have the Gugga fair which is connected with the worship of Gugga, the Nag Devta. The same month witnesses the Dal fair in Upper Dharamsala in Kangra district. At Udaipur, in the Lahaul valley, the Trilokinath temple becomes a focus; this is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike. The Shravan fair is held at the shrine Naina Devi in Bilaspur district, while the Ashapuri fair is held in Kangra.

SEPTEMBER : As the rains end, autumn sends fiery colours racing through the hills. In Kinnaur, the festival of flowers, 'Fullaich' (Phulech) opens a window to its remarkable people and their beautiful countryside. Villagers scout the hillsides for flowers which are collected in the village square. These are then offered to the local deity. Then comes a spate of revelry - singing, dancing and feasting. Kalpa has some of the most vibrant celebrations and every twelve years, there is a special festival. Also in September, at the village of Chhatrari, near Chamba - and centered around the exquisite temple of Shakti Devi - a fair is held and masked dances are performed.

The Kangra valley celebrates the festival of Sair. This is also celebrated with stalls, singing and buffalo fights at Arki (Solan) and Mashobra (Shimla) both near Shimla. At Nurpur in Kangra, under the watchful walls of its old fort, the Nagini fair bids the summer farewell. In the same district on September 27, World Tourism Day is celebrated. In Sirmour, there is a Regatta at the Renuka Lake and Nahan hosts the Bawan Dawadashi fair.

OCTOBER : There is a Regatta on the waters of the Gobind Sagar, anglers vie for the largest catch in the Sangla valley (Kinnaur) and paragliders sail the skies at Billing (Kangra). More traditionally, over two hundred deities converge on Kullu for its unusual Dussehra celebrations. They pay homage to Lord Raghunath while music and colour fill the 'Silver Valley'. Numerous stalls offer a variety of local wares. This is also the time when the International Folk Festival is celebrated. The Jwalamukhi Temple in Kangra becomes the venue for a major fair. At Killar and Panai (in Chamba's Pangi valley), the Phool Yatra witnesses a remarkable display of neighborly affection and the Dehant Nag is worshipped.

NOVEMBER : With winter Just a hop and skip away, the age-old Lavi fair fills Rampur (Shimla) with a burst of activity. The town was once a major entry point on the old trade routes to Kinnaur, Tibet, Ladakh and Afghanistan. Even today, the tradition is as vibrant as ever. By the churning waters of the river Sutlej, a variety of goods including wool, dry fruits and horses are bartered and sold.
The Kharif crops have been harvested when at the legendary Renuka lake (Sirmour), a fair graces its banks. There is trade, recreation and amusement. Idols of Lord Parshurama and Renuka are ceremoniously dipped in the sacred waters of the lake – and it is a time when matchmaking is done. Water Sports Competitions are held at the Maharana Pratap Sagar and Gobind Sagar.

DECEMBER : As winter arrives, anglers shift to the Pong Dam. With the blessings of Nobel Laureate, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the International Himalayan Festival is held in Kangra district. Troupes from the Himalayan Nations are invited. The winter winds carry the delights of ice-skating at Shimla. The extravaganza of the Ice-Skating Carnival is normally reserved for December. Christmas celebrations overtake Shimla and Dalhousie (Chamba) and as the church bells chime, they carry away another event-packed year. To visit the traditional fairs or to participate in the festivals, do confirm the dates as many vary from year to year. A range of accomodation is available at, or close to almost all the places.

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Kashmir Hub offers you an opportunity to glimpse the colorful and happening festivals of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The most commonly celebrated festivals in Kashmir are Lohri, Baisakhi, Bahu mela, the Jhiri mela, the Mansar food and craft mela, Chaitre Chaudash mela and the Purmandal mela. The Navratras are celebrated with festivities all over Kashmir, but a special mela is held at the Kheer Bhawani temple in the Tulla Mulla village. Tours and travel to the state of Kashmir gives you a chance to participate in the other popular festivals such as the Hemis festival and the Sindhu Darshan festival.

Lohri is popularly known as Makar sankranti all over India. In Kashmir, especially in the rural areas, young boys visit elders and newly wed couples and ask for gifts and presents. Young boys move around in colorful processions and perform the Chhajja dance.

The Jhiri mela is held annually in the memory of a poor farmer who according to popular belief committed suicide to protest against the unfair demands of his landlord.

The Chaitre Chaudash mela is held during the months of March-April at Uttar Behni, a village located at a distance of 25 kilometers from Jammu.

The Purmandal mela is held at Purmandal that is located at a distance of 39 kilometers from Jammu. This fair has a special significance as it is celebrated on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. This festival marks the wedding celebrations of Lord Shiva with the Goddess Parvati.

The festival of Navratri is celebrated with great fervor. People fast, take holy dips and pray during this festival.

The Hemis festival is a religious fair that is held at the Hemis Gompa located in Ladakh. This festival began 12 years back and is marked by masked dances and other festivities.

The Sindhu Darshan festival is celebrated in honor of the River Indus, locally known as the Sindhu River.

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A three day holy festival of the Hindus celebrated along the river banks with huge fairs.

It is held in the month of January/February in the monastery of Tashiding. The abbot of the monastery unveils a pot of holy water and foretells the future of the state.

This festival is held around the festive month of February to celebrate and welcome the Tibetan New year with feasting and merry-making.

Held during the month of May, this festival celebrates the triple blessed day of Buddha's Birth, Enlightenment and Maha parinirvan in most of important monasteries in Sikkim.
Pang Lhabsol
Unique to Sikkim, this festival worships the snow peaks of Mount Kanchendzonga. An important feature of the celebration is the warrior dance with its intricate steps and leaps accompanied by martial war-cries.

This festival celebrates the event, when according to legend, the Thedong Hill had risen to save the Lepchas, during a great flood.

It is the main festivals of Hindu Nepalese in Sikkim. It signifies the victory of good over evil. The elders of the family apply 'Tika' on the young and bless them.

This festival is celebrated as the festival of lights with the lighting of lamps accompanied with traditional carols called Deusi and Bhakti.

This Bhutia festival marks the end of harvest season and also the end of the Tibetan year. It is celebrated with religious dances (Chaams) in the monasteries of Tsug Lakhang, Phodongand Rumtek along with family gatherings , feasting and archery contests.

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