| The Himalayas, and Garhwal, in particular,
are often referred to as ‘Devbhumi’, the Abode of the Gods. The serene
atmosphere, snow clad peaks, swift flowing rivers and green valleys, which
spread over vast areas, are touched by a common undercurrent of spirituality. |
 |
The Garhwal region is also replete with
ancient temples, which are the focus of most of the fairs and festivals.
Obviously, life in Garhwal is very
difficult owing to the arduous terrain and inhospitable climate. Often
the people are hit by unforeseen calamities like earthquakes and flash
floods. Festivals are a means of releasing tension, mitigating the people’s
hardships and breaking the monotony of their life. They are also an opportunity
for displaying the gay and jovial nature of the hill folk. Over the years,
the people of Garhwal have evolved a tradition of festivals, which are
celebrated at appropriate times all through the year.
On auspicious occasions, the temples
turn into venues for fascinating festivals, when people from far and wide
gather to offer their obeisance to the deity and give musical expression
to their joy and happiness.
Some descriptions of the fascinating
fairs and festivals of the Garhwal region are as follows, reflecting not
only an innocent expression of joy but also providing an insight
into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Fairs
Fairs are regularly held in many
parts of Garhwal. These are of the following of the types:
-
religious fairs connected with the
temples and festivals
-
trade fairs and cattle fairs
-
general fairs
-
fairs connected with historical events.
There are various
Fairs held in Garhwal which are as follows :
DISTT.
DEHRADUN
JHANDA FAIR, TAPAKESHWAR FAIR,
LAKSHMAN SIDDHA FAIR, MAHASU DEVTA’S FAIR, BISSU FAIR SHAHEED VEER KESRI
CHANDRA FAIR (CHAKRATA FAIR), Neelkanth Mahadev Mela, Rishikesh
DISTT.
TEHRI
CHANDRABADANI
FAIR, SURKHANDA DEVI FAIR, KUNJAPURI FAIR Lakhwar Mela
DISTT.
UTTARKASHI
MAGH MELA
Makar Sankranti
FAIRS
IN OTHER AREAS
Vishu Fair, Mon fair, Jagra or Jatra,
Thaul Fair, Mangshirsa Amavasya Fair, Margshira Fair
Gauchar Fair, Matamurti Fair, Karanparyag
Fairs, Bampa Fair, Agastmuni Fair
FESTIVALS
The timings of festivals in Garhwal
are influenced by: (a) climate
or season, (b) traditions and ceremonies,
and (c) beginning or end
of important agricultural operations
like sowing, harvest and storage.
The important festivals of Garhwal
have been described here:
1. Magh
2. BasantPanchami
3. Bissu
4. Holi
5. Mon
6. Dussehra
7. Diwali |
