Fairs of Uttarakhand :

Fairs and festivals have constantly been an essential part of the life of Indians and people of Uttarakhand are no different. The state of Uttaranchal has several fairs and temples, intrinsic to the culture of the hills. These fairs are considered very auspicious and form important trading centers for the people from different sectors of crafts to sell their works and animals, especially hill ponies. Many folk songs and dances are alive today because of these fairs doubling up as social gatherings.There are following fairs are celebrated in Uttarakhand :

Bikhauti Fair : Uttarakhand have vivacious people celebrating life on any given occasion. Any fair or festival is a part of these celebrations surrounding the lives of ordinary people. Bikhauti Fair is celebrated on the day of Vishuwat Sankranti day commemorating an ancient victory.

Haatkalika Fair : The Haatkalika fair is held in Gangolihat, a small town in the Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand. The fair is organized in honor of Goddess Haatkalika, a divine embodiment of Maa Kali.

Jageshwar Fair : Imagine a single fair for a cluster of almost two hundered temples. Think of a crowd of thousands of people amidst these ancient places of worship with a legend older than the temple building.

Jauljibi & Thal : Fairs and festivals are an important part of lives of the people of Uttaranchal. The fairs are a place to socialize and meet people and do business. Jauljibi and Thal are such popular fairs celebrated in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.

Haridwar Kumbh : Ardh Kumbh Mela is held every six years at the banks of the holy Ganges River in Haridwar. Millions of people gather to be part of a religious fervor and inspite of the rush still manage to have a good .

Magh Fair : Organized once a year on the occasion of Makar Sankranti (January) in Uttarkashi, Maga Mela is another kind of adrenaline rush for the air natives. It is a major event of the Uttarkashi district. This fair holds a cultural, religious and commercial importance in that region. The fair is held on the banks of Bhagirathi River in Uttarkashi.
People from various areas of Kumaon, Garhwal and other parts of Uttar Pradesh take part in the mega event of Uttarakhand. The mela attracts spiritual souls from all over the world. This event has a unique bathing ritual which begins on a full moon day and lasts for 15 days to a month. If organized after twelve years this Mela is called Kumbh Mela and after six years, it is known as Ardh Kumb.

Nanda Devi Fair : Fairs in Uttarakhand serve as a meeting point for mingling with people from other parts of the state, trade items of local produce and of course celebrate something of religious importance.Every year the fair is organized in the month of September. Almora can be said as the central hub, where the main fair is held and is celebrated for 5 to 7 days. Nanda Devi Mela, also known as Nanda Devi Mohatsav has been celebrated since the Chand kings ruled the place.

According to the ancient mythology, Nanda Devi was the family Goddess of The Chand Kings, monarchs of The Kumaon Region. King Dyot Chand, in the 17th century, built the temple of Nanda Devi in Almora. Thus, from then onwards, Nanda Devi Fair is organized to worship the Goddess of Kumaon, every year. Nanda Devi signifies the lucrative and culturalprosperity of the region. Masses engage themselves in the procession which carries the dola (palanquin) of Nanda Devi and her sister, Sunanda. Devotees from both Garhwal and Kumaon regions are seen in the fair, which is held near the Nanda Devi Temple.

Purnagiri Fair : Purnagiri is located on the top of a hill and is 20 kms from Tanakpur. Purnagiri It is located on the right bank of the river kali. Also known as Punyagiri (meaning the mountain of good deeds), the Purnagiri temple is visited by thousands of devotees throughout the year.

This scintillating and spiritual festival memorializes Goddess Sati and is held in the famous Shri Purnagiri Temple in Uttarakhand. The fair is organized at Annapurna Peak which is vibrantly cheerful and offers a bird’s – eye view of the surrounding Himalayas. Annapurna Peak is raised at a height of 1676m above the sea level, this is the place where the temple of “Shree Purnagiri” is situated and the fair is organized. The place where the temple is established has been assumed to be the location where the navel portion of Sati and Savan Prajapati was cut down by Vishnu Chakra.The esteemed temple is one of the 108 “Siddha Peethas” and hence it is observed as a hub of devotees, during the Navratri Festival.

Uttarayani Fair : The people of the state of Uttarakhand celebrate a number of fairs and festivals. The Uttarayani Fair is a perfect example of the highly sacred sentiments of the local residents. Of all the places, the Bageshwar temple fair attracts the largest number of people. Uttaraini Mela of Uttarakhand is held around many locations including Sult Mahadev, Bageshwar, Rameshwar, Chitrashila (Ranibagh), Hameshwar etc.

It is another festival organized on the day of Makar Sankranti (Uttarayani day). Traders from Tibet and Nepal come to the fair to earn quick profits. Blankets, Baskets, Casks, Durries, Mats, Mattresses, Cane, Bamboo Articles, Iron and Copper Pots, Carpets, Blankets, herbs, Spices, and many more exotic things are available for the sale.

Gauchar Fair: Gauchar Fair of Uttarakhand acts as a magnet to attract so many locals, tourists, traders, and merchants from every corner of the region. The fair usually starts on 14th November every year and lasts for 6-7 days. Elementarily an industrial fair, Gauchar Mela is widely attended by tourists and inhabitants of the state. 

                 The people of Uttarakhand are very cheerful and so are their festivals. They are an amalgamation of various social and cultural factors. The adoration for hues and blissful celebrations can be seen in the natives throughout. Being the Earthly Abode for Gods the state celebrates few festivals that are exclusive to the state.