FESTIVALS
Hiljatra
Hiljatra is a festival associated with the transplantation of paddy. This festival is celebrated in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. This festival is organized during the rainy season at the time of the transplantation of paddy. Hiljatra festival is celebrated according to folk tales of the victory of gods over demons by masked dancers. This dance is performed by masked dancers. Hiljatra festival is celebrated with great pomp in the entire Pithoragarh district.
Harela
Harela is a major festival of Uttarakhand, a festival related to agriculture. This festival is celebrated 3 times a year, first during Chaitra Navratri (March–April), second during Sharad Navratri (September), and third during Shravan Harela, the rainy season (July). In this festival, farmers worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and make clay idols. According to a legend, this festival celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Phool Dei
Phul Dei is the most important festival of Uttarakhand, it is celebrated at the beginning of the spring season. Celebrated to commemorate the change of seasons, this festival sees young girls pluck flowers to decorate their homes. At the time of Phuldei, traditional sweets made of flour, curd and jaggery were made.
Uttarayani Mela
The festival of Uttarayani is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm all over India. It is celebrated on the day of Makar Sankranti. This festival is also celebrated with great pomp in Uttarakhand. On this occasion, fairs are organized throughout Uttarakhand and celebrated especially in hilly areas. Jhoda, Chanchari, and Bairas folk songs are sung on this occasion.
Kandali Festival
Kandali festival is celebrated with great pomp in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. This festival is celebrated with the blooming of Kandali flowers. This festival is celebrated with great pomp every 12 years. Because the Kandali flower blooms once every 12 years. This festival is celebrated between August and October. On this day women symbolically destroy the Kandali flower plant.