Uttarayani Fair

• History
• Places to visit
• How to reach

The Uttarayani Fair is an amalgamation of culture and fun that enthralls the audience to the core. It is also an important way of communication to a large population and thus political workers often use this Fair’s platform to convey their messages to the people.

It is one of the biggest fairs organized in Bageshwar District of Uttarakhand and is observed during the Makar Sankranti Festival that is held on January 14, every year. Uttarayani Mela Festival is celebrated in both the regions of Kumaon and Garhwal in Uttarakhand.   

The fair gives a proper share of entertainment and information with a variety of activities taking place around here. Also, you get to gorge on delicious food and buy handmade crafts of the state.

Known as one of the most popular fairs in India, Uttarayani Fair started in Bageshwar but now has spread in various cities in and out of Uttarakhand. The festival is an opportunity for the locals to showcase their culture, heritage, dance, and music.

History of Uttarayani Fair

The Uttarayani Fair is being organized for years. Earlier, when technology was not advanced and people did not have TV, radio, etc, this fair was used to communicate information and important news.

That is not all. The Uttarayani Fair also played a major role during India’s freedom fight. It has witnessed several political and social revolutions. In Bageshwar itself, several activists, including Pandit Badri Datt Pandey, revolted for the elimination of Coolie Beggar (Bonded Labour) in 1921.

In 1929, Mahatma Gandhi too visited the Bageshwar District of Uttarakhand.

Major Attractions of Uttarayani Fair 2023

1. Folk Dance & Singing Performances

During the fair, local artists perform regional songs and display several folk dance forms such as Chholiya, Jhoras, Chancharis, and many more.

2. Chholiya

Chholiya is a folk dance form that belongs to the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand. It is performed by a group of men and women dressed in colorful attire.

3. Jhoras

It is also named Kumaoni Jhora which is a Pahari Jhora dance form performed by a group of women while singing their folk songs in Kumaoni languages.

4. Shopping at Uttarayani

If you are at Uttarayani Fair, you will get insights into the locals’ lifestyle and one of the major things to explore is the local shops at the fair. Different household and handicraft items are sold here. Some of them are casks, bamboo items, baskets, copper pots, and many more.  

5. Bagnath Temple

This ancient temple is one of the most popular temples in Uttarakhand. Every year, the temple witnesses a huge number of Hindu devotees, seeking blessings from Lord Shiva. It is situated at the confluence of Sarayu and Gomati river. The architectural marvel is designed in basic North-Indian Nagar architecture. During Shivaratri, the temple looks more enthusiastic and cheerful.

6. Fun Activities

The Uttarayani Fair, besides its cultural aspects, also has the perfect fun element for you. You can enjoy amazing food here, as there are multiple food stalls offering a variety of delicacies and common street food. Some fun and adventurous rides are set here too, such as roller coaster, merry-go-round, etc.

How to Reach Uttarayani Fair 2023

Bageshwar is an adorable town situated in Uttarakhand. Its lush beauty and the misty hills enhance its overall charm and aura. It is located at an approximate distance of 442, 1,831, 2,359, 1,481 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata respectively. Here is how you can reach here by the following means of public transportation.

By Air

The nearest airport is the Pantnagar Airport which is located in the Kumaon Region. From there you will either have to catch a taxi or get some other means of transportation to reach your destination.

By Rail

The Uttarakhand railways department is maintaining 16 big and small railway stations alike that connect Uttarakhand with major cities. However, the nearest railway station is the Kathgodam station. From the station, you will need to cover the remaining distance by some means of public transportation.

By Road

The connectivity via road network is quite good. The well-connected highways are NH 108, NH 109, NH 121, etc. Both buses and taxis are available at regular intervals. You can also travel via your own vehicle.

You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here.

PLEASE NOTE : Dates can vary due to cancellation or last-minute changes.