Voices and Culture
Uttarakhand, known for its natural beauty and rich culture, is home to a warm and friendly Pahari community who celebrate throughout the year with music and dance, showcasing their unique rites, beliefs, folklore, customs, and language.
Uttarakhand, known as Devbhoomi or “Land of the Gods,” is a vibrant cultural region with a rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and artistic expressions, enriched by diverse communities like Garhwalis and Kumaonis.
Uttarakhand’s culture is enriched by music and dance, with folk songs like “Bedu Pako Baro Masa” and “Jhume Re Gori” celebrating nature and daily life, and traditional dances like “Jhora” and “Chhopati” adding to colorful festivities.
Art and craft showcase skilled craftsmanship, with Pahari paintings, wood carvings, and handwoven textiles like Garhwali shawls renowned for intricate designs and vibrant colors.
Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage is showcased through temples, festivals, and rituals, with events like Kumbh Mela in Haridwar attracting millions of pilgrims and tourists.
FESTIVALS
Makar Sankranti
Basant Panchami
The February festival, dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, symbolizes the start of spring and the spirit of learning and arts.
Maha Shivratri
Celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva in February-March, it’s a significant religious festival with fasting, prayers, and night-long vigils.
Holi
A colorful festival celebrated in March, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring.
Phool Dei
Uttarakhand’s unique March-April festival involves girls visiting homes, offering flowers, and spreading blessings for prosperity.
Nanda Devi Raj Jat
A grand pilgrimage and festival held every 12 years in the Garhwal region, honoring goddess Nanda Devi.
Bikhauti Festival
Celebrated in April, promoting social harmony and unity among communities.
Ganga Dussehra
Celebrated in May or June, dedicated to the Ganges River, with rituals and festivities in Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Diwali
The festival of lights is a festive celebration that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
Basant Navratri and Durga Puja
Navratri festivities with fasting, devotion, and celebrations dedicated to goddess Durga.
Janmashtami
Celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna with prayers, bhajans, and processions.
Ram Navami
Honoring the birth of Lord Rama with prayers and bhajans.
FAIRS
Magh Mela
Held in Haridwar during the Hindu month of Magh, this fair is known for its spiritual significance and attracts pilgrims for holy dips in the Ganges.
Kumbh Mela
The Kumbh Mela, a global religious event held in Haridwar, attracts millions of devotees annually.
Jhanda Mela
Jhanda Mela commemorates Sikh Guru Ram Rai’s arrival in Dehradun, a 1699 gurudwara built and hoisted his flag, celebrated annually on Holi’s sixth day and flag unfurling at Jhanda Chowk.