September Events & Festivals

Kunjapuri Paryatan Mela, Tehri Garhwal

(Tentatively 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.

National Mountain Biking Championship (Garhwal and Kumaon)

(Tentatively 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)

(Tentatively 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.

Jagda Festival

Celebrated in the Jaunsar-Bawar region, this festival is dedicated to Lord Mahasu. 

Khatarua

A festival that celebrates the season of autumn, Khatarua is marked by bonfires and singing and dancing. The festival also honours farm animals and is believed to protect rural livestock from all evil.

Nanda Devi Festival

(Sep 14-28)

Nanda Devi Festival and Mela is organised in several parts of Uttarakhand to pay tribute to Goddess Nanda Devi for economic and cultural prosperity of the region. The most prominent festivities are held in Nainital and Almora. This festival has been celebrated since the time of the Chand kings and is usually celebrated for five to seven days. People carry the palanquins of Goddess Nanda Devi and her sister Sunanda in joyful processions. 

October Events & Festivals

Dussehra

(Oct 15)

One of the most significant Hindu festivals, Dussehra commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. While it is celebrated across Uttarakhand, it is marked with unique traditions in Almora town. Representing the symbolic victory of truth, effigies of Ravana and his brothers are prepared in a very artistic manner and they are burnt. 

November Events & Festivals

Diwali

(3-4 Nov)

A festival of lights, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. 

Budhi Diwali

(Mid-Nov)

Almost 11 days after the rest of India celebrates Diwali, Uttarakhand gets bustling for Igaas or Budhi Diwali. It is said the news of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya reached people in the hills much later. People, specially of the Jaunsar Bawar area, celebrate this five-day festival by lighting bonfire, singing and dancing. 

Gananath Fair

(End-Nov)

Gananath Fair is a popular fair held at Gananath Shiva temple, around 50 km from Almora. On this day, people pray to Lord Shiva for blessings, specially for children. 

Gauchar Mela

(14 Nov)
Gauchar Mela is held on November 14, in the small town of Gauchar in Chamoli district. Explore the state's crafts and culture at this rural fair.

Jaulijbi Fair

(Nov 14- 21)

Held every year from November 14 to 21, this mela is a cultural event held near Askot in Pithoragarh district. In its early days, this was a trade fair, attracting people from across the region and even Nepal.