Festivals of Uttarakhand

The Kumaoni calendar turns on its festivals — sowing and harvest, spring and new year, each with its own rituals, songs and foods.

July · Shravan

Harela Festival: Kumaon's Sowing Festival of Uttarakhand

Harela is celebrated in Uttarakhand — seeds sown ten days before, cut at dawn and placed on the family's foreheads. The meaning, date, rituals and songs of the Harela parv.

March · Chaitra

Phool Dei: the Phooldei Spring Flower Festival of Uttarakhand

Phool Dei (also Phooldei or Fuldei) — the festival of flowers. On Chaitra Sankranti, young girls bless every threshold with flowers, rice and jaggery to the chant Phool Dei Chamma Dei.

Feb–March

Kumaoni Holi: Baithki, Khari (Khadi) Holi & the Holi Geet

Pahadi Holi of Uttarakhand — Baithki Holi sung indoors to classical ragas, and Khari (Khadi) Holi sung standing in the street. The songs, lyrics and long season of Kumaoni Holi.