Top 10 Famous Festivals Celebrated in Uttarakhand | Divy Destination

Uttarakhand, commonly referred to as Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods), is not only endowed with stunning natural landscapes and revered pilgrimage locations but also possesses a rich cultural heritage that is evident in its festivals. The festivals of Uttarakhand provide a distinctive insight into the profound spiritual, agricultural, and folk traditions of the hill communities. These festivities unite people, often taking place against the backdrop of lush valleys and the majestic Himalayas.

Whether your purpose of visit is spiritual awakening or cultural discovery, participating in the local festivals offers a genuinely enriching experience, and with Divy Destination, organizing your travel becomes effortless and worry-free. We take care of every aspect of your festival journey in Uttarakhand, from taxi and car rentals to hotel reservations, Airport pick-and-drop services, bike rentals, and even Char Dham Yatra tours.

Here are the 10 most renowned festivals that you should experience in Uttarakhand:

1. Kumbh Mela (Haridwar)

When: Every 12 years (next in 2033), with Ardh Kumbh occurring every 6 years.

Where: Haridwar

Highlights: Sacred immersions in the Ganga, extensive religious assemblies, and spiritual teachings.

Kumbh Mela stands as one of the largest religious congregations globally and is truly a remarkable spectacle. Countless devotees and sadhus unite for a holy immersion in the Ganga, which is believed to purify sins and bestow salvation.

 Divy Destination offers dependable taxi services and hotel reservations to ensure a pleasant stay in and around Haridwar during this grand event.

• 2. Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra

• When: Every 12 years (the most recent event took place in 2014)
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• Where: From Chamoli to Roopkund
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• Highlights: A 280 km spiritual trek featuring rituals in honor of Goddess Nanda Devi.
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• This event transcends a mere festival—it's a pilgrimage of faith and resilience. Individuals from all over the state join a symbolic four-horned ram, which is thought to be the goddess’s mount, as they traverse the majestic Himalayas.
• We provide Trekking services, transportation to starting locations, and accommodation arrangements.

• 3. Ganga Dussehra

• When: May or June (10th day of Jyeshtha month)
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• Where: Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Gangotri
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• Highlights: Bathing rituals, lamp lighting, and prayers by the riverbank.
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• This festival is celebrated to commemorate the descent of the River Ganga onto Earth, showcasing a splendid blend of devotion and spirituality. Pilgrims engage in Ganga Aarti and take sacred dips at sunrise.
• Effortlessly book Airport pick-and-drop services from anywhere in Uttarakhand (Rishikesh,  Haridwar, Haldwani, Almora, Ramnagar, Nainital) etc.

• 4. Harela Festival

• When: July (Shravan month)
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• Where: Kumaon region (Almora, Nainital, Bageshwar) 
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• Highlights: Tree planting, folk songs, family gatherings, and green rituals. 
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• Harela signifies the onset of the monsoon and pays tribute to nature, agriculture, and prosperity. Families plant seeds in small containers and revere them as a representation of new life and abundance. 
• Utilize our bike rental or car services to discover village life and participate in local festivities.

• 5. Basant Panchami

• When: January or February.
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•  Where: Throughout Uttarakhand, particularly in temples and schools. 
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• Highlights: Worship of Goddess Saraswati, yellow-themed celebrations, and cultural programs. 
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• This festival signifies the arrival of spring and pays homage to the goddess of learning. Children begin writing their first letters, while locals wear yellow clothing and partake in cultural performances. 

• 6. Makar Sankranti / Ghughutia

• When: January 14 each year. 
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• Where: Mainly in Kumaon 
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• Highlights: Crafting edible garlands, feeding crows, and community feasts. 
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• In Kumaon, Makar Sankranti is observed as Ghughutia, during which children adorn themselves with garlands made of sweets and feed birds. This lovely tradition imparts lessons of kindness and sharing with nature. 
• Divy Destination will help you reserve accommodations in Almora or Pithoragarh to experience these distinctive rituals firsthand.
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• 7. Phool Dei Festival

• When: March or April (Chaitra month) 
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• Where: Garhwal and Kumaon regions.
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• Highlights: Young girls embellish doorsteps with flowers, sing folk songs, and seek blessings. 
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• Phool Dei is a delightful spring festival where children bring positivity and blessings into homes with baskets filled with freshly gathered flowers. Divy Destination will help you to reach there with our best service car rental services, which include cars like - Swift, Innova, Ertiga, Tempo traveller

• 8. Uttarayani Mela

• When: January
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• Where: Bageshwar, Rameshwar, and other temple towns
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• Highlights: Religious fairs, traditional wrestling, folk dances, and cultural shows.
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• Situated at the meeting point of holy rivers, the Uttarayani Mela is a blend of spirituality and festivity. It offers a splendid opportunity to experience the richness of Kumaoni culture, music, and cuisine at its finest.

• 9. Ghee Sankranti (Olgia)

• When: August
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• Where: Garhwal and Kumaon
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• Highlights: Farmers express their prosperity by sharing ghee-based dishes with one another.
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• Ghee Sankranti is a festival of appreciation that honors the abundance of the land. Farmers create ghee-infused dishes and present them to family, neighbors, and deities.

• 10. Diwali and Kumaoni Bhailo

• When: October–November
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• Where: Throughout Uttarakhand
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• Highlights: Illuminations, diyas, Bhailo melodies, customary dances, and visits to temples.
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• In Kumaon, the Diwali festivities feature the performance of Bhailo and Bhitto, traditional songs sung by men as they visit homes to extend wishes of prosperity. The area is aglow not only with lamps but also with a vibrant community spirit.
•  Divy Destination provides customized packages to discover Almora and Nainital during Diwali, ensuring comfortable accommodations and transportation.
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🎯 How Divy Destination Enhances Your Festival Experience

We know the cultural calendar of Uttarakhand better than anyone! Here’s how Divy Destination simplifies your festive tour:

✅ Vehicle and Taxi Rentals: Access remote temple towns and fairgrounds with ease. You will get the best car to travel in Swift, Innova, Ertiga, Tempo traveller, etc

✅ Bicycle Rentals: Explore picturesque routes in the spring or during festive periods.

✅ Accommodation Reservations: Affordable, clean, local options or luxurious stays close to key venues.

✅ Airport Pickup and Drop-off Services: Timely transfers from airports, train stations, and your accommodations—always punctual.

✅ Char Dham Yatra Packages: Experience spiritually fulfilling journeys beyond the festival season.

✅ Trekking and Tailored Cultural Tours: Merge trekking experiences with local fairs in one comprehensive tour.

Conclusion: Celebrate Culture the Right Way in 2025

Uttarakhand's festivals represent a stunning blend of spirituality, nature, folklore, and community. Whether you wish to immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Ganga Aarti or observe vibrant folk celebrations such as Harela or Phool Dei, the state offers countless opportunities for celebration.

Allow Divy Destination to be your guide on these remarkable cultural adventures. Regardless of whether you are traveling alone, with family, or in a group, we ensure that your journey is safe, seamless, and profoundly rewarding. We also have the best blog pages where you can learn more about Uttarakhand.

Contact us to reserve your festival tour today with Divy Destination and let us assist you in experiencing Uttarakhand in a way you have never imagined before!