Uttarakhand, often called Dev Bhoomi (Land of the Gods), is home to a vibrant cultural tapestry shaped by its Himalayan roots. The festivals here go beyond celebration—they are deeply spiritual, community-driven events tied to ancient traditions. Whether you’re a traveller, spiritual seeker, or culture enthusiast, attending these famous festivals in Uttarakhand in 2025 offers an unmatched glimpse into its sacred and festive soul.
10 Festivals Of Uttarakhand
1. Kumbh Mela (Haridwar)
When: April 2025 (Date may vary tentative date based on astrological calendar)
Where: Haridwar
Highlights: Ritualistic bathing, sadhus, Ganga Aarti, spiritual discourse
One of the largest religious gatherings on Earth, the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar occurs every 12 years, with smaller Ardh Kumbh every 6. Pilgrims bathe in the Ganges to cleanse sins and attain moksha (liberation). The 2025 Kumbh Mela is expected to draw millions of devotees and tourists.
Travel Tip: Stay in nearby Rishikesh or book an ashram in advance.
2. Basant Panchami
When: February 2025
Where: Statewide, with prominence in Dehradun and Haridwar
Highlights: Worship of Goddess Saraswati, yellow attire, kite flying
A celebration of knowledge and learning, Basant Panchami marks the arrival of spring. Devotees dress in yellow and offer prayers to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom. In Haridwar, you can also see vibrant kite-flying competitions.
Local Tip: Wear yellow attire and enjoy traditional sweets like ‘Boondi Laddoo’.
3. Harela Festival
When: July 16, 2025
Where: Kumaon region (Almora, Nainital, Bageshwar)
Highlights: Tree planting, folk music, agricultural rituals
Harela marks the onset of the monsoon and is deeply rooted in agrarian traditions. People sow seeds in small pots 10 days prior, and when they sprout, it’s symbolic of prosperity and environmental harmony. It’s one of the most eco-conscious festivals of Uttarakhand.
Did You Know? Harela marks the beginning of the rainy season and farming cycle.
4. Ghee Sankranti (Olgia)
When: August 16, 2025
Where: Garhwal region
Highlights: Consumption of ghee and grains, farmer-artisan exchange rituals
Also known as Olgia, Ghee Sankranti is celebrated by eating chapatis filled with ghee and jaggery. Farmers offer gifts to artisans and vice versa, showing a strong sense of community gratitude.
Tip: Try local delicacies made from ghee during this time.
5. Phool Dei Festival
When: March 2025
Where: Statewide, especially in villages of Garhwal and Kumaon
Highlights: Flower sprinkling on doorsteps, young girls’ participation
This springtime festival involves young girls decorating homes with seasonal flowers, especially marigolds and rhododendrons, to invoke prosperity. Phool Dei literally translates to ‘blessing of flowers.’
Tradition: It is considered auspicious and symbolizes prosperity.
6. Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra
When: August–September (Held every 12 years; next in 2032, but smaller Nanda Devi celebrations happen annually)
Where: Nauti to Homkund (Chamoli)
Highlights: 280-km spiritual trek, palanquin procession, traditional chants
Though the full Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra will next happen in 2032, annual celebrations continue. The goddess Nanda Devi is worshipped as the daughter of the Himalayas, and her symbolic journey to Homkund reflects Uttarakhand’s ancient spiritual heritage.
Mythology: Represents the goddess’s journey to her divine abode.
7. Ganga Dussehra
When: June 2025
Where: Haridwar, Rishikesh, Gangotri
Highlights: Ritual dips, aartis, cultural programs
Ganga Dussehra celebrates the descent of the holy river Ganga from heaven to earth. Pilgrims take a dip in the river, especially in Haridwar and Rishikesh, to wash away sins. The riverbanks light up with aartis and lamps.
Spiritual Tip: Attend evening aarti at Har Ki Pauri for a mesmerizing experience.
8. Makar Sankranti (Ghughutiya)
When: January 14, 2025
Where: Kumaon region
Highlights: Kite flying, sweets shaped like birds, feeding migratory birds
Known as Ghughutiya in Kumaon, children feed migratory birds with bird-shaped sweets made of jaggery and flour. This charming ritual reflects Uttarakhand’s harmonious relationship with nature and wildlife.
Fun Fact: It’s also a shopping festival—local woolens and copper items are popular buys.
9. Purnagiri Mela
When: March–April 2025
Where: Purnagiri Temple, Champawat
Highlights: Devotional songs, fairground, pilgrimage to the Shaktipeeth
Held at the Purnagiri Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, this mela attracts lakhs of devotees each year. The scenic yet steep climb is filled with chants, and the fair offers regional food and crafts.
10. Bagwal at Devidhura
When: August 2025 (Raksha Bandhan)
Where: Devidhura, Champawat district
Highlights: Stone-pelting ritual, Barhaat temple complex, cultural folk dances
Known for its unique ritualistic stone battle, Bagwal is a cultural curiosity. Two groups symbolically hurl soft stones at each other while being shielded by wooden boards. It is tied to the Barahi Devi temple and reflects ancient warrior traditions.
📍Festival Calendar Table – Quick Overview
| Festival | Date (2025) | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Uttarayani Mela | Jan 14 | Bageshwar, Ranikhet |
| Basant Panchami | Feb 2 | All over |
| Phool Dei | Mar 14 | Garhwal |
| Kumbh Mela (Haridwar) | April (tentative) | Haridwar |
| Ganga Dussehra | Jun 5 | Haridwar, Rishikesh |
| Harela | Jul 16 | Kumaon |
| Ghee Sankranti | Aug 16 | Garhwal |
| Jauljibi Mela | Nov (mid) | Indo-Nepal Border |
Why Attend These Festivals in Uttarakhand in 2025?
- Rich spiritual experience: Festivals like Kumbh Mela and Ganga Dussehra are global spiritual events.
- Eco-cultural harmony: Harela, Phool Dei, and Ghughutiya demonstrate Uttarakhand’s sustainable practices.
- Cultural immersion: Folk music, local cuisines, and ancient customs offer an authentic Uttarakhandi experience.
These festivals of Uttarakhand are more than rituals—they’re stories, traditions, and values passed through generations. Planning your trip around these events guarantees not only unforgettable memories but also a deep connection with the land and its people.
FAQs
Q1: What is the most famous festival of Uttarakhand?
A: Kumbh Mela in Haridwar is the most internationally renowned.
Q2: Which are the major cultural festivals of Uttarakhand?
A: Nanda Devi Raj Jat, Harela, Phool Dei, Ghee Sankranti, and Jauljibi Mela.
Q3: When is the next Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra?
A: The full pilgrimage is expected in 2026. Local versions occur more frequently.
Final Thoughts
Festivals in Uttarakhand are more than rituals—they’re experiences that reflect a deep bond between nature, community, and faith. From the grand processions of Kumbh to the intimate rituals of Phool Dei, each celebration offers a chance to witness the soul of the Himalayas. If you’re planning to explore cultural tourism in 2025, these famous festivals of Uttarakhand deserve a place on your itinerary.
