Uttarayani Mela
Uttarayani Mela
Uttarayani Mela
StatusAnnually
DatesStarts on the second week of January (around January 14); peak: last 5 days
LocationsKumaon Division, Uttarakhand, India
CountryIndia
ParticipantsHindu pilgrims
Attendance> 200,000
ActivityFolk music and dances; exhibition of copper vessels, bamboo articles, carpets, blankets, and traditional food items

The Uttarayani Mela, is an annual fair held in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India.[1][2] It marks the occasion of Makar Sankranti, typically taking place in the second week of January.[3][4] The most significant celebration occurs at Bageshwar, where the fair is held along the banks of the Saryu and Gomti rivers, particularly at the Bagnath Temple.[5][6]

Etymology

The term "Uttarayani" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Uttara" (north) and "Ayana" (movement or path).[7] It refers to the sun's northward movement from the Tropic of Capricorn to the Tropic of Cancer. This astronomical event marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days.[8]

History

In 1921, Badri Datt Pandey,[9] a leader from the Kumaon region and member of the Kumaun Parishad,[10] attended the fair to mobilize local peasants against the begar system, which the British colonial administration implemented.[11] His speeches were in support of social justice and resistance.

Mahatma Gandhi also visited the fair during his 1929 tour of Kumaon.[12][13]

Legends and folklore

Local folklore associates the fair with a site where Shiva[14] is said to have roamed as a tiger.[15] The fair is held near the Saryu River, which is considered significant by locals. According to local tradition, the sage Markandeya is believed to have prayed to Shiva at this site, seeking blessings and guidance.[16][17][18]

Cultural performances

Traditional dances during the fair

Traditional folk performances, including songs and dances such as chholiyas, jhoras, chancharis, and bairas, are presented during the fair.[19] The event also features local cuisine, including traditional dishes associated with Uttarayani celebrations, such as ghughute, a sweet delicacy prepared specifically for this occasion.[20]

Products

During the fair, various goods are traded.[21] Local artisans display their works, including handcrafted items such as pottery, bamboo baskets, and metalwork.[22] Metalwork items often comprise utensils, decorative objects, and traditional musical instruments made from iron, copper, and brass. Textiles are also a major commodity at the fair, with merchants from regions including Tibet and Nepal selling woolen products like blankets and durries.[23] Farmers sell food items, including pulses, seeds, and spices from the hilly regions.[24][25]

Locations

The fair is held in various towns and regions of Uttarakhand, including Nainital, Haldwani, Almora, Pithoragarh, Haridwar, Bageshwar, Rameshwar, Sult Mahadev, Ranibagh, and Hanseshwar. The fair is also celebrated in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.[26][27]

Religious sites

Bagnath temple during the Uttarayani Mela

The Bagnath Temple in Bageshwar is a religious site, serving as the main location for the fair and being associated with Shiva.[28][29] Devotees also visit other local temples and shrines, such as the Badrinath Temple, Rameshwar, and Sult Mahadev temples, as well as sites like Chitrashila and Hanseshwar on Uttarayani day.[30] The banks of the Saryu and Gomti rivers are also significant, where devotees perform ritual dips, believed by some to have spiritual benefits.[31][32]

References

  1. ^Storytrails (2023-01-14). "Makar Sankranti: A Chronicle of Calendars". Storytrails. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  2. ^Vats, Aditya (2023-02-25). THE GARHWAL DIARIES. Blue Rose Publishers. p. 86.
  3. ^Nanda (2019-01-08). "Uttarayani Fair Bageshwar | Mythology, Event, Festival Info | Uttarayani Mela". www.euttaranchal.com. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  4. ^Cursive Stroke. Amity University Press. p. 91. ISBN 978-81-8011-075-7.
  5. ^"Uttarayani fair in Bageshwar kickstarts with cultural splendour". The Times of India. 2024-01-15. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  6. ^Dhoundiyal, N. C. (1997). Studies on Kumaun Himalaya. Indus Publishing. p. 117. ISBN 978-81-7387-065-1.
  7. ^"The Significance of Uttarayana". isha.sadhguru.org. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  8. ^"What & When Is Uttarayan?". Dictionary.com. 2022-01-12. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  9. ^Pathak, Shekhar (2021-01-12). "A hundred years ago, a fiery speech in Uttarakhand escalated the protests against forced labour". Scroll.in. Retrieved 2024-12-06.
  10. ^"Badri dutt Pandey's speech at the uttarayani fair in 1921". IndianCulturegov.in.
  11. ^Nag, Prithvish (1999). Tourism and Trekking in Nainital Region. Concept Publishing Company. p. 83. ISBN 978-81-7022-769-4.
  12. ^"Gandhi's visit to kumaon in 1929". Indianculturegov.in.
  13. ^Tree, Kafal (2019-01-20). "Glimpses of Bageshwar Uttarayani Fair". Kafal Tree. Retrieved 2024-12-06.
  14. ^"Himalayas, the Abode of Lord Shiva". Hindustan.com.
  15. ^"Bagnath Temple, Bageshwar: A Spiritual Journey to Lord Shiva's Abode". helloprabhu.com. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  16. ^"Temple dedicated to the lord shiva on the festive of Uttarayani fair". Uttrakhand Tourism.
  17. ^"Bagnath Temple Travel Guide 2024 | Bageshwar - Uttarakhand Guide". Uttarakhand State | Tourism Guide | Details of all places. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  18. ^Luhar, Sahdev (2023-02-25). Folklore Studies in India: Critical Regional Responses. N. S. Patel (Autonomous) Arts College, Anand. p. 93. ISBN 978-81-955008-4-0.
  19. ^"Uttarayani Festival in Uttarakhand - Popular Festival of Uttarakhand". www.tourmyindia.com. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  20. ^"All About Ghughutiya and Kumaon's Uttarayani Mela". Outlook India. 2022-01-15. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  21. ^"Bageshwar News: उत्तरायणी मेले में इस बार कम बिके हस्तशिल्पियों के उत्पाद". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  22. ^"History Of Uttarayani Fair". Issuu. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  23. ^"Uttarayani Fair: Uttarayani Fair". kumaon.gov.in. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  24. ^Nanda (2019-01-08). "Uttarayani Fair Bageshwar | Mythology, Event, Festival Info | Uttarayani Mela". www.euttaranchal.com. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  25. ^Bharat, E. T. V. (2023-01-20). "Bageshwar Uttarayani Mela: मेले में लगा विकास प्रदर्शनी, किसानों के उत्पादों ने लोगों का ध्यान खींचा". ETV Bharat News (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  26. ^"uttarayani fair in bareilly uttar pradesh hindi news". Prabhat Khabar (in Hindi). 2023-01-12. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
  27. ^"The famous Uttarayani fair will start from 13 Jan in Bareilly". LiveHindustan.com.
  28. ^"Bagnath temple at Bagnath". Uttarakhand Tourism.
  29. ^ahlawat.vinod (2024-09-26). "Uttarayani Fair -". Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  30. ^"Uttarayani Fair: Uttarayani Fair". kumaon.gov.in. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  31. ^Sangeeta (2013-04-10). "Significance of the Holy Dip in Hinduism". Life is a Vacation. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  32. ^"Ghughutiya/Makar Sankranti Festival of Uttarakhand". Retrieved 2024-12-07.
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