Cultural and traditional diversity of the country can be best observed in fairs of Northern India. Each state of the northern region of the country has its unique fairs where people find fun, frolic and enthusiasm. Myths and legends are associated with many of the fairs which attracts many pilgrims from all over the country to participate in the fairs. Apart from this, these fairs also witness the gathering of tourists from different regions.
Fairs in Punjab
In Punjab, colourful fairs are organized that impart gaiety among the people. Chhapar Mela is held at Chhapar, a village in Ludhiana District. It is celebrated in the month of September to appease Guga-the Zahir Pir who is called the Lord of the snakes. Spiritual beliefs say that with the blessings of Lord, snake poison can be neutralized. Jor Mela is another significant fair of this state which is organized in Fatehgarh Sahib. This three day fair is celebrated every year in the month of December in the memory of the two sons of Fateh Singh and Zorawar Singh. Hariballabh Sangeet Mela is celebrated in the memory of Swami Hariballabh, a sant-musician who achieved heights in Indian classical music. It is held in Jalandhar at Devi Talab. Several classical singers visit this fair to give astonishing performances.
Fairs of Haryana
At the Nahar Singh Mahal of Haryana, Kartik fair is held annually. The fair is organized with the aim of promoting the art and culture of Haryana like classical music, folk dance and music and martial arts. One of the largest fairs of the country is Surajkund Crafts Mela, celebrated in Haryana. Held in the month of February, this fifteen days fair is accompanied by the exhibition of various arts and crafts of the country. Diverse cultural programs are also a point of attraction of this fair.
Fairs of Uttar Pradesh
Kumbh Mela is one of the grandest fair of the country that is celebrated in Haridwar, Uttar Pradesh. The fair is the showcase of the rich cultural heritage and spirituality which attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. Deva fair is another significant fair of the state which is celebrated with the objective of promoting cultural harmony among the people. It is held at Deva locality of this state which houses the shrine of famous Sufi saint Haji Waris Ali Shah. Kampil fair of Uttar Pradesh takes its name from the place Kampil where it is celebrated. Kampil is an ancient town that which has been mentioned in the epics too. Jain devotees from all over the country gather in this fair to participate in the colourful carnival. Another fair of this state is Bateshwar fair which is held in the honour of deity Bateshwar Mahadeo. Live stock fair is the main focus of this event. Dadri Mela, celebrated in the month of February, organizes one of the largest cattle fairs.
Fairs of Uttarakhand
Several fairs are organized in the state of Uttarakhand which adds to the cultural heritage of country. Bikhauti fair is organized in Vishuwat Sankranti in the commemoration of an ancient victory. Another fair is Haatkalika fair celebrated in Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand in the honour of Goddess Kali. Jageshwar fair is dedicated to Lord Jageshwar which is another name of Lord Shiva. Organized in the Shrawan month of Hindu calendar, it takes place in Dantrai village. Nanda Devi fair is held in the month of August or September in different places every year including Nainital, Dandidhara, Almora, Munsiyari, Bhowali, Ranikhet and Kichha. Purnagiri is situated along the bank of Kali River which houses Purnagiri temple where Purnagiri Fair is held. It continues for forty days. On Makar Sankranti, Uttarayani fair is organized at different places including Rameshwar, Chitrashila, Bageshwar, Mahadev and Hanseshwar. As per the religious beliefs, bathing in holy waters washes away mortal sins.
Fairs of Himachal Pradesh
Spirit of fairs can also be witnessed in the state of Himachal Pradesh which hosts a number of regional fairs. Minjar fair is held in the month of August in the Chamba district. The fair is associated with Raja Sahil Verman who was the ruler of the state in 10th century AD. Another fair of this state is Naina Devi fair takes place at Naina Devi Temple in Bilaspur district. A six days fair is held at Sirmaur district known as Renuka fair. The attractive features of this fair include magic shows, folk dances, wrestling bouts, thoda dance, Kariyala play etc. Sissu fair is a unique event which is celebrated in the regions of Buddhist Himalayas. A fascinating feature of this festival is the masked dance, an important Buddhist ritual, performed in the monasteries. Other significant fairs organized in this state are Lavi Fair, Shivratri Fair, Holi Fair, Chintpurni Fair, Nalwari Fair, Bharmaur Jatra Fair, Chhitrari Jatra Fair, Sui Fair, Tara Devi Fair, Jwalamukhi Fair, Dal Fair, Nalwari Fair, Dungri Fair, Sarshi Jatra Fair, Banjar Fair, Markanda Fair, Solan Fair, Sipi Fair, Thalog Fair and many more.
Fairs of Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir also hosts many colourful fairs. Purmandal Mela is held in Jammu to celebrate the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati, during Mahashivratri. Mansar food and craft Mela is held every year during Baisakhi. This three days event takes place along the picturesque Mansar Lake. Celebration of the cultural heritage and traditions of India is done through Bahu Mela. It is celebrated at the Bahu Fort of Jammu in the honour of Goddess Kali. It is believed that during the fair, Goddess Kali eradicates evil and darkness from the world.
Fairs of Rajasthan
Customs and traditions of Rajasthan follow a unique route and their celebration through fairs imparts immense joy and sprit. Banganaga fair of Rajasthan is an important fair of this state which gather pilgrims from all over the country. Pushkar fair portrays the real an exquisite sketch of the state. Various events are also organised during this fair. Nagaur fair is the most awaited fair for the cattle traders. Jambheswar fair is held to honour Jambheswar ji who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Other significant fairs organized in Rajasthan enlist Chandrabagha Fair, Gogaji Fair, Kaila Devi Fair, Kapil Muni Fair, Karni Mata Fair, Khatu Shyamji Fair, Mallinath Fair, Sitabari Fair, Urs Fair and many more.
Fairs in Northern India portray the cultural heritage of the states of Northern India most aptly and even add to it. Great enthusiasm can be witnessed during these events. Theses fairs attract people not only from the respective states but also from the whole country.
