Why do we celebrate Uttarayani Mela?

The religious significance of Uttarayani fair People from far-flung areas of Uttarakhand gathered here on the bank of Saryu and Gomti river to take a holy dip on the occasion of Sankrant or Makar Sankranti. It is believed that bathing on this day/festival is auspicious and it will wash away one’s sins.

Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated in Uttarakhand?

When is Ghughutia celebrated? The position of the sun is significant in Ghughutia. The festival is celebrated during Makar Sankranti when the sun transmigrates from Hindu zodiac sign of Makar (Cancer) to Dhanu (Sagittarius). This also marks the beginning of the new month of Maagh in Hindu calendar.

Which festival is celebrated in Kumaon?

Harela is a festival that marks the beginning of the rainy season or monsoon. The people belonging to the Kumaon community celebrate this festival during the month of Shravana, i.e., July-August. Mythologically, this festival commemorates the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati.

What is Ghughuti?

Ghughutiya is celebrated by preparing the dough with the mixture of wheat flour and jaggery or sugar adding ghee and milk according to one’s capacity. The prepared sweetened dough then has given various shapes and deep fried in ghee or oil till their color turns golden brown.

How is uttarayan celebrated in Uttarakhand?

In Uttarakhand, people offer Khichadi (a mixture of rice and pulses) in charity, take a ceremonial dip in the holy river, and participate in many fairs. Uttarayani fair is generally held in a number of places in the Kumaon region including Bageshwar, Ranibagh, and Hanseswari.

What is Makar Sankranti called in different states of India?

It is known as Pedda Panduga in Andhra Pradesh, Makara Sankranti in Karnataka, Telangana, and Maharashtra, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam, Magha Mela in parts of central and north India, as Makar Sankranti in the west, Makara Sankranti or Shankaranti in Kerala, and by other names.

What is Phool Dei festival?

Phool Dei: Uttarakhand’s festival of flowers to teach kids environmental conservation. The festival is celebrated in Garhwal, Kumaun regions to teach children to cherish & nurture nature.

Which is the famous festival celebrated in Uttarakhand?

Basant Panchami, Bhitauli, Harela, Phooldei, Batsavitri, Ganga Dusshera, Dikar Puja, Olgi or Ghee Sankranti, Khatarua, Ghuian Ekadashi and Ghughutia are some of the major festivals of Uttarakhand.

Which god is worshipped on Makar Sankranti?

The Sun god
Makar Sankranti: The auspicious period of Uttarayan starts on Makar Sankranti. The Sun god is worshipped on Makar Sankranti. Devotees on Sankranti also worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Makar Sankranti is the first big festival of the year celebrated across India.

Why do we celebrate Phool Dei?

A significant harvest festival in Uttarakhand, Phool Dei is a reverence paid to the gods for the good crop year. It is on this occasion little girls decorate the threshold of the houses with freshly picked flowers.

What is Phool Sankranti and why is it performed?

The local belief is that placing flowers at the doorsteps of houses for the gods will bring prosperity and blessings. The groups of children, known as Phoolyari, bring flowers daily to the households and receive money and sweets in return from each family on the last day of spring.

What is famous sweet of Uttarakhand?

Arsa (अरसा): Arsa Sweet is a famous sweet dish of Garhwal and Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.