himalayas

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs & Festivals of Garhwal Himalayas

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. Dehradun

Jhanda Fair

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 Fair

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 Fair

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.

Bissu Fair

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

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.

Shaheed Veer Kesri Chandra Fair (Chakrata Fair)

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.

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs & Festivals of Garhwal Himalayas

Distt. Tehri

Chandrabadni Fair

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

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.

Kunjapuri Fair

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

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.