FESTIVALS

Ghughuti  

The Makar Sankranti festival that is observed on January 15, 2012 in Indiais famous for a unique ritual in Uttarakhand. Makar Sankranti is known as Ghughutia, or Kale Kauva, welcomes birds back from the winter migration. In fact Ghughuti itself is the name of a bird exclusive to Uttarakhand. Uttarayani, which marks the beginning of the northward journey of sun or Surya, is noted for the return of migratory birds to the hills of Uttarakhand.

Makar Sankranti is also known as Kale Kauva means ‘black crow.’ People make Deep-fried sweets from sweetened flour (flour and gur) and shape them like drums, pomegranates, knives, swords and are strung into a necklace. On the morning of Ghughutia, or Kale Kauva, children wear the deep fried sweets as necklaces and sing a folk song associated with Kale Kauva to attract black crows and other birds and offer them pieces of the deep fried sweets. This is to welcome the birds back from their migration.

Phool Dei

Uttarakhand is known for its rich culture which attracts thousands of people across country.  Festivals in Uttarakhand are celebrated with great pomp and represent the tradition and culture of the state.  One such is the Phool Dei festival, celebrated on the first day of Chaitra or mid March, to welcome spring season.The whole state grooves to the magic of this festival, as young girls and boys gather for the rituals. However, in some part of this state the festival is celebrated as carnival which carries month long. During this festival, there are various rituals conducted. Dei, a special pudding of jiggery, curd and white flour specially prepared for this ceremony is served to visitors. In this special Phool Dei festival, young girls do all household work in villages. Girls pray for the well-being of family and village, and in return they are presented with sweets, fresh jiggery and money as well.  Villagers in their doorstep sprinkle rice and flower, and sing Chaiti song to welcome the festival.

 Basant panchami

Uttarakhand continues to celebrate one festival or the other throughout the year. These events depict the rich cultural history of the state. One of the most popular festivals celebrated in the state of Uttarakhand is the Basant (also spelt Vasant) Panchmi. Though this festival is celebrated in many other states of the country, Uttarakhand offers its own unique flavor. During this auspicious occasion, you can make a visit to the famous temples in Uttarakhand to participate and experience the rich Hindu culture. The Basant Panchmi festival is organized to celebrate the arrival of the spring season.

The Hindu festival is known by different names in the different states of the country. In the state of West Bengal, it is popularly known as the Saraswati Pooja (worshipping of the goddess Saraswati).