
Fairs & Festivals
After harvesting season people mostly relax, rejoice, dance and sing
thus a festival is generated. At the transition of sun from one constellation to another
Sankranti is observed. Each Sankranti has a fair or festival connected to it somewhere in
Kumoun. Fooldeyi, Bikhauti, Harela, Ghee Sankranti, Khatarua,
Uttaraini are the mostly observed Sankranties throughout the
region. Other festivals have the bearings in the moon and the dates changed frequently in
Gregorian Calendar. Basant Panchami, Shiv Ratri, Holi, Samvatsar Parwa, Ram Navami,
Dashra, Batsavitri, Rakshabandhan, Janmastmi, Nandastmi, Deepawali etc are some of the
auspicious occasions. Fairs are organised on these occasions on certain places. The
Uttaraini Mela at Chitrashila near Ranibag is observed on Makar Sankranti Day (Approx. 14th
January). Kumaoni people feed the crows on Uttaraini day by saying Khale Kaua khale
Ghughuti Bada Khale .On Buddha Purnima Day, in the month of May there is festivity
near Budhansthli, while Bhimtal observes Harela Mela on 16th or 17th
of July. Baishakhi Purnima day brings rejoicing near Lokhamtal while Kainchi temple
premises is gay on 15th June. Kakrighat has Somnath Fair on the last Monday of
Baishakh, Garjia is full of festivity on Kartik Purnima day in the month of November.
Nandashtami Festival is observed with full devotion in the district, fairs are organised
at Nainadevi temple Nainital and Bhowali.The Kumaoni people use the fortnight of Shradha
in late September or early October to remember their passed away ancestors.
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