A festival for everyone, rich and poor, young and old, why does Uttarayani Mela unite everyone? go

Uttarayan festival marks the entry of Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn, which is called Uttarayan. This is considered a very auspicious period in Hindu religion. It is believed that from this day the Sun moves towards the north, due to which positive energy is transmitted. Bathing, donation and worship done on the day of Uttarayani gives special results. In the Kumaon region, this festival is considered to be associated with new beginnings, virtue and self-purification. For this reason, people take bath in rivers in the morning, worship God and donate to the needy of the society.

The Uttarayani fair held at the sacred confluence of Saryu and Gomti rivers in Bageshwar, Uttarakhand, is considered to be the most famous in the entire state. This confluence has been said to be as virtuous as Kashi. Bathing here on the day of Uttarayani is believed to liberate one from sins. Devotees, saints and tourists come here from far and wide. The fair starts with the worship of Lord Bagnath i.e. Shiva. The unique confluence of religious faith and natural beauty makes this fair special.

Uttarayani Fair is not just a religious event, but also a living platform of folk culture of Kumaon. Folk songs and dances like Chholiya dance, Jhoda-chanchari, Nyoli are presented in the fair. The sound of traditional musical instrument Dhol-Damaun makes the entire atmosphere festive. Local people participate in the fair wearing traditional clothes. This gives the new generation an opportunity to connect with their cultural roots. Uttarayani Fair has become a symbol of identity and cultural continuity of Kumaon.

According to history, Uttarayani Fair was a big center for traders from the hills and Terai in ancient times. Here grains, wool, salt, spices and household items were exchanged. This fair was not only a medium for trade but also for social interaction. People from far-flung villages met here once a year. Even today, the fair remains vibrant with shops selling rural handicrafts, woolen clothes and local products.

Charity and charity have special significance on the day of Uttarayani. People donate food, clothes and money. It is believed that donations given on this day give manifold results. In the fair, the distinction between rich and poor, village and city disappears and everyone participates in the festival equally. This social harmony is the biggest feature of Uttarayani. Collective puja, bhandara and service work strengthen the feeling of mutual cooperation and brotherhood in the society.

Uttarayani fair of Bageshwar is important from religious as well as tourism point of view. The natural beauty of Bageshwar situated in the lap of Himalayas attracts tourists. There is a special glow in the city during the fair. Tourists not only enjoy the fair but also visit nearby temples, ghats and natural sites. This boosts local tourism and economy.

Rajendra Bora, a local expert of Bageshwar, says that today Uttarayani Fair has become a center of attraction for the youth also. Youth participate enthusiastically in folk culture programs. Cultural competitions, exhibitions and social events connect the new generation with their traditions. This helps in preserving cultural heritage. Uttarayani Fair is emerging as an example of balance between tradition and modernity.

Uttarayani Fair is a symbol of the cultural, religious and social identity of Kumaon. This festival connects people to their roots and strengthens the sense of collectivity. The form has changed with time, but the faith and tradition are still alive. Uttarayani Fair of Bageshwar is not only a festival but also a living heritage of Kumaon, which preserves the cultural heritage passed down from generations.