January

 

Veer Shiromani Madho Singh Bhandari Memorial Fair, Tehri

(4-8 Jan)

Veer Shiromani Madho Singh Bhandari Memorial Fair is organised at the place of birth of Veer Shiromani Madho Singh Bhandari, Maletha. The fair is a vibrant affair and sees folk dancers from across the state.

 

Uttarayani Mela, Nainital

(10-15 Jan)

Uttarayani Mela is held in January annually on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. The fair is held in several places, including Haldwani, Bageshwar, Ranibagh, etc. The highlight is the Bagnath Temple, located on the banks of River Saryu. This week-long fair is celebrated with much pomp and show at the temple.

 

Rafting Event, Shivpuri, Rishikesh

(Third week of Jan)

Rafting in Shivpuri is a delightful experience. Shivpuri is a hotspot for whitewater rafting, and the 16-km stretch from Shivpuri to NIM Beach is a thrilling one. Descend the mighty Ganges whilst battling thunderous rapids and battering waves, and experience gorgeous Hiamlayan scenery on the way.

 

Trekking Event, Chandrashila Peak

Tungnath Winter Summit

One of the most popular treks in the Garhwal Himalayas, Chandrashila Trek offers gorgeous views of the surrounding Himalayas, lush valleys, Himalayan flora and fauna and verdant landscapes.

 

 

Magh Mela, Uttarkashi

(14-21 Jan)

This religious fair draws its theme heavily from myths and is very popular in the state. It is important not only from a cultural point of view, but also a commercial one.

 

 

FEBRUARY

Uttarakhand Adventure Car Rally

Uttarakhand Adventure Car Rally is organised as per international standards to showcase the conditions of roads in the state. The rally passes through popular tourist spots like Auli, Ramnagar, a stone’s throw from Jim Corbett National Park, etc.

 

Uttarakhand Spring Bird Festival

(4-8 Feb)

Uttarakhand Spring Bird Festival aims to promote the state as a bird watching destination. It showcases the rich diversity of avifauna that Uttarakhand has to offer. Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular venue for the festival.

 

Ganga Kayak Festival, Shivpuri, Rishikesh

Ganga Kayak Festival was first held in 2013 with an aim to promote Rishikesh as a kayaking destination. Rishikesh has a team of professional kayak competitors and instructors and the festival aims to incorporate more paddlers.

 

Auli Skiing Festival, Auli

Auli Skiing Festival draws huge crowds. The world-class skiing destination of Auli is located at a height of 2896-3200 m and has a skiing area of 5-7 sq km.

 

 

Basantutsav, Rajbhawan

(Feb/Mar)

Basantutsav is a very popular festival. The highlight of the festival is the Flower Show that showcases beautiful flora of the state. Students participate to make floral patterns on the ground.

 

Cycling Championship

(Garhwal and Kumaon)

(Feb/Mar)

The 8-day-long cycling championship invites people from all over the world to test their mettle against the rugged terrain of Uttarakhand. The route passes through Nainital, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Karnaprayag, Tehri, etc.

 

White Water Rafting Festival, Jolijvi

White Water Rafting Festival in Jolijvi invites adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. It is aimed at promoting Jolijvi as a white water rafting destination.

 

Tehri Lake festival

(16-17 Feb)
The annual Tehri Lake Festival is Asia's biggest and offers non-stop action, adventure, entertainment, fun & frolic and excitement. Enjoy water sports, other adventure sports and popular entertainment at the festival.

 

 

March Events

International Yog Week, Rishikesh-Haridwar

1-7 March

Organised by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam and Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, the International Yog Week is among the biggest yoga festivals in the world. From traditional to modern, all styles of yoga are celebrated and observed during the festival.

 

Mountain Biking

20-30 March

Uttarakhand offers a memorable mountain biking experience. Test your mettle against the rugged terrain, steep slopes, and hairpin bends as you bike in the state.

 

Holikautsav

21 March

Holikautsav is celebrated with much pomp and show in the state of Uttarakhand. People sing, dance and play with colours and water on this festival. They visit their friends and families and exchange traditional sweets.

 

Tehri Vasantotsav, Tehri

Tehri Vasantotsav is held for almost 3 days and sees the participation of a large number of people. Performances by local artistes, musical ballads, cultural competitions and plays showcasing the culture of the state are the highlights of the festival.

 

 

 

April Events

Aero Sports/ Paragliding Show, Pithoragarh

14-18 April

In order to promote paragliding and hang gliding, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has undertaken the Aero Sports/ Paragliding Show. Several locations besides Pithoragarh have been identified for it, namely, Chopta, Tungnath, etc.

 

Late Veer Gabbar Singh Mela, Tehri Garhwal

23 April

Late Veer Gabbar Singh was a soldier in the British Indian Army, who fought in the first world war. He was noted for his valour and courage. Since 1925, a fair has been organised to commemorate Veer Gabbar Singh.

 

Chatti Mela, Udhamsingh Nagar

10-11 April

Celebrated in the Chatti Devi Temple, this annual fair is very popular among the locals. Such is the belief of the devotees that the temple is thronged by visitors from far away regions.

 

Bissu Mela, Chakrata

12-18 April

Bissu Mela is celebrated by the Jaunsari tribe of the Chakrata Tehsil. The festival is almost a week long and is celebrated to mark a good harvest season. Locals come and pay homage to Santoora Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga.

 

 

May Events

Trekking Event - Trek of the Year-Dayara

(1st week)

Dayara Bugyal treks are a stunning experience. Rolling green meadows, a pristine landscape, abandoned huts of shepherds, a host of flowers and some of nature’s best surprises await at every turn at this gorgeous trekking event.

 

Golf Festival, Ranikhet

The nine-hole lush golf course of Ranikhet is the venue of this festival. It is one of the highest golf courses in Asia, replete with picturesque beauty and textured grass.

 

Sahid Kesari Chand Mela, Chakrata

2-3 May

Sahid Kesari Chand Mela is held in the memory of Sahid Kesari Chand, a brave soldier. The festival sees cultural performances from across the state and is attended by thousands.

 

Challia Mahotsav

27-31 May

Challia Mahotsav is a popular Kumaoni festival, held in Pithoragarh district.

 

 

June Events

Governor’s Gold Cup Golf Tournament, Nainital

(1-3 June)

Organised by Raj Bhawan Golf Club, the Governor’s Gold Cup Golf Tournament is a three-day long event. Golfers from across the country participate in the tournament.

 

Badri Kedar Utsav, Badrinath

(2-24 June)

Badri Kedar Utsav is held in the Badrinath and Kedarnath temples. Held for eight days, it gives a peek into the culture of Uttarakhand. Artists, singers and dancers from all over the state come here to showcase their skills and talents.

 

Yog Festival, Rishikesh

21 June

Yog Festival in Rishikesh is the best place to see India’s ancient knowledge unfold. The festival is attended by Yoga gurus, who train the participants in the science. Held in the lap of the Himalayas, the Yog Festival is an amazing time to gain the benefits of Yoga.

 

 

July Events

Shrawani Mela, Jageshwar, Almora

(20-25 Jul)

Shrawani Mela is held in Jageshwar temple, which is decorated to the hilt for the occasion. Devotees from all over the state come and pay homage to the deity here.

 

Kharsali Mela, Uttarkashi

(27-28 Jul)

Kharsali Mela is held in the sleepy village of Kharsali, in the Uttarkashi district. The village is home to the Shani Dev temple, the oldest known temple of the deity. The fair sees processions with chariots of Gods.

 

Gaura Atthawali, Champawat

(Jul-Aug)

Gaura Atthawali is celebrated by the Raji tribe of the state with great pomp and show.

 

 

August Events

Ashadi Kauthik “Bagwal” Mela, Champawat

(23-31 Aug)

Bagwal Fair is organised by the District Panchayat and is attended by thousands of people.

 

Lamh Ser Mela, Champawat

(27-28 Jul)

Lamh ser Mela is the main festival of the Bhotia tribe. It is held in Johar Valley.

 

 

September Events

Kunjapuri Paryatan Mela, Tehri Garhwal

(15-20 Sep)

Kunjapuri Paryatan Mela is held at the Kunjapuri Temple. It is one of the Shaktipeethas, where the chest of Sati is said to have fallen.

 

World Tourism Day

(27 Sep)

World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27. This day is celebrated to increase the awareness of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural and economic values, among the international community.

 

Nanda Devi Mela, Nainital

Nanda Devi Mela is one of the prominent festivals of the Kumaon region. This festival has been celebrated since the time of the Chand kings. It was usually celebrated for five to seven days. People carry the palanquins of Goddess Nanda Devi and her sister Sunanda and parade out in a procession.

 

National Mountain Biking Championship (Garhwal and Kumaon)

(Sep/Oct)

National Mountain Biking Championship has been set up with the aim of promoting mountain biking in the state of Uttarakhand. Bikers from all over the country participate in the championship. It is indeed a thrill to see talented bikers race against each other and the rugged terrain to win the coveted trophy.

 

Motor Biking Rally, Pithoragarh (Garhwal and Kumaon)

(Sep/Oct)

Motor Biking Rally in Pithoragarh aims to promote tourism in the district. Adventure-lovers and thrill-seekers from all over the country participate in it and travel to remote parts.