Fairs of Dehradun District reflect the rich culture and traditions of the region. Some of the fairs in this district of Uttarakhand are organized on some religious events. All the fairs of Dehradun District are organised with great enthusiasm and zeal. It can also be said that the fairs of the district hold religious significance. Few of the important fairs that are organised in different parts of this district are mentioned below.
Jhanda Fair: Jhanda Fair is held every year at the historic Guru Ram Rai Darbar in Dehradun on the fifth day after the occasion of Holi in the sacred memory of the Guru. The fair begins with putting up a new Jhanda (Flag) in the compound of the historic complex. Besides local people, a large number of devotees turn up from adjoining areas of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, etc.
Tapkeshwar Mela: Tapkeshwar is a legendary place located on the eastern bank of the Tons River. The ancient Tapkeshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In Skanda Purana, the place has been referred to as Deveshwara. It is believed that during Dwapara, this place was abode of Dronacharya who lived here with his family. Since then, the cave is known as Drona Gufa. It is also said that Ashwathama, was born here. A legend is associated with the origin of the name of the place. It says that when Ashwathama was very young, the poor father could not find any milk for him. The Guru was too poor to afford a cow. One day, when young Ashwathama was crying for milk, the helpless Guru advised him to pray and worship Lord Shiva, who would bless him with milk. Ashwathama did so. Pleased with the young boy`s tough penance, Lord Shiva appeared before him and enquired about his wish. Little Ashwathama asked for milk. Lord Shiva blessed him and said that milk would be made available here. Ashwathama had prayed to the Lord by the name of Tapkeshwar and hence the place was known by the same name. A big fair takes place here on the occasion of Shivaratri. Thousands of devotees congregate at this place on this sacred day to offer prayers. Tapkeshwar is easily approachable from Dehradun through roadways.
Lakshman Siddha Fair: Lakshman Siddha is one of the four Siddha piths around Dehradun. It has immense religious importance. It is mainly a local religious fair held every Sunday, but last Sunday of April has a special significance, when people turn up in large numbers and offer obeisance to the Samadhi here. It is about 10 kms away on Dehradun-Rishikesh road and can be easily approached.
Bissu Fair: This fair is held at the Jhanda ground in cantonment area of Chakrata block of Dehradun District. It is about 3 kms from Chakrata. The fair reflects cultural heritage and tradition of Jaunsari tribe. A large number of people turn up in this fair from nearby Tehri, Uttarkashi and Saharanpur district. The fair marks harvesting season in the area and reflects the happiness of the local people.
Mahasu Devta`s Fair: Mahasu Devta`s fair is held at Hanol. The fair takes place in the month of August every year, when Mahasu Devta is taken out in a procession. Musical prayers continue for three days and nights. This is a local fair of Jaunsari tribe. Thousands of participants throng the place on the occasion from the adjacent Tehri, Uttarkashi and Saharanpur district.
Saheed Veer Kesri Chandra Fair: This fair is held at Ramtal of Chakrata tehsil in Dehradun district. Ramtal is a beautiful natural tank of about 30 metres long and 30 metres wide, located on a hill. The venue of the fair is a big ground that is surrounding the lake. Every year, in the month of April this fair is held here. A temple and a memorial, dedicated to the freedom fighter Veer Kesri Chandra are located at this spot.
These prominent fairs of Dehradun District are attended by devotees from all parts of the country.
