Fairs and festivals of Chamoli District in Uttarakhand are celebrated by the regional residents of this part of the country and reflect the tastes and culture of the people of Chamoli. Such festive occasions are held throughout the year and play a significant role in the lives of the local inhabitants. `Nag Panchami`, `Ram Navami`, `Makar Sankranti`, `Nanda Devi Raj Jat`, `Gaucher Mela` and `Janmashtami` are some of the several fairs and festive events which are organised with great enthusiasm here. Millions of people pay a visit to Chamoli District during these festivals, to participate in all the fun and frolic associated with these programmes.
Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami is observed during the 5th day of the Hindu month of `Shravana`, to honour the serpent Gods, or the `Nagas`. People draw images of snakes with the aide of flour over wooden boards and worship it by making offerings of rice, flowers and milk.
Ram Navami
This festival is celebrated on the 9th day of `Chaitra` month, in order to commemorate Lord Rama`s birthday. Devotees of this Hindu deity observe a fast throughout the entire day and recite Ramayana. The assembled guests sit attentively and listen to the recitations of Ramayana.
Holi
Also known as the spring festival, Holi is celebrated with gusto during full moon day of the month of `Phalgun`. Songs of Phalgun, popularly termed as `Phaags`, are sung by the regional people of Chamoli, particularly at nights, much prior to the actual festival. On the 11th day of Phalgun, a flag is established inside the village which is burnt on the 15th day. This event is called `Chharoli` and an ash mark is applied on the foreheads of near and dear ones. On the very next day, people rejoice by throwing coloured water and coloured powder over each other, followed by a visit to the residences of relatives in the evening.
Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is observed during the final day of the month of Shravana. Sisters tie a thread of protection known as `Rakshasutra`, which is also referred to as `Rakhi`, around the right wrist of brothers. Such an action signifies the purity and love of the relationship between a brother and a sister, and the blessings of brothers on their sisters. During Raksha Bandhan, fairs are conducted at Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag and Kedarnath.
Bishwat Sankranti
Bishwat Sankranti is a fair which is organised on the 13th day of the month of April, and it finds a mention in Lalitashuradeva`s Pandukeshwar inscription. This fair is a grand congregation of innumerable visitors which is also held in Hans Koti, Aser, Adbadri, Kulsari and Ming.
Gaucher Fair
Gaucher Fair is so named since it is held at the area of Gaucher which is situated at Karnaprayag in November, and is thronged by numerable tourists.
Nanda Devi Raj Jat
Nanda Devi Raj Jat is a renowned pilgrimage of the deity of Nandadevi, and is exclusively conducted in Chamoli District. It has been continuing since the 9th century. This grand fair is associated to a local legendary folklore and involves a large procession which ascends the mountains at Jiuri Gali Dhar which measure about 5335 metres in height and Nauti, which are about 900 metres, and also cover large distances, barefoot, crossing forests and snow-covered hilly tracts.
Other Fairs and Festivals of Chamoli District
The natives of Chamoli District observe many other interesting festivals and fairs like Dussehra, Deepavali, Shivaratri and `Nautha` at Adbadri, Dattatreya Pooranmasi at Anusuya Temple, `Naumi` at Hariyali, `Nanda Devi` at the region of Bedni respectively.
