Draft:Uttarayani Fair

Uttarayani Fair Uttarayani Mela
Status	Annually
Date(s)	Starts on the Second week of January (around January 14); Peak: last 5 days
Location(s)	Kumaon Division, Uttarakhand, India
Country	India
Participants	Hindu pilgrims
Attendance	> 200,000
Activity	Folk music and dances; Exhibition of copper vessels, bamboo articles, carpets, blankets, and traditional food items.

The Uttarayani Fair, also known as the Uttarayani Mela, is an annual Fair celebrated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India, marking the occasion of Makar Sankranti. This festival takes place in the second week of January, the most significant celebration occurs at Bageshwar, where the fair is held along the banks of the sacred Saryu and Gomti rivers, particularly at the Bagnath Temple.

Etymology

The term "Uttarayani" comes from two Sanskrit words: Uttara, which means "north," and Ayana, which means "movement" or "path." Uttarayani refers to the sun's northward journey as it moves from the Tropic of Capricorn to the Tropic of Cancer. ​This astronomical event signifies the end of the winter solstice and the start of longer days.​

History

In 1921, Pandit Badri Dutt Pandey, leader from the Kumaon region associated with the Kumaun Parishad, visited the fair to mobilize local peasants against the oppressive begar system implemented by the British colonial administration. His speeches rallied community support for social justice and resistance. Mahatma Gandhi also visited the fair during his journey to Kumaon in I929.

Legends and Folklores

Local folklore suggests that the fair is celebrated where it is believed that Shivaonce roamed as a tiger, particularly in the vicinity of the sacred Saryu River. According to the locals, the sage Markandeya is thought to have prayed to Shiva at this site, asking for blessings and guidance. ​

Cultural Performances

Traditional dances during the fair

Folk artists perform traditional songs and dances, including chholiyas, Jhoras, Chancharis, and Bairas,. In addition to musical performances, the fair showcases local cuisines, festive dishes to the Uttarayani celebrations, such as the sweet delicacy Ghughute, which is specifically made for this occasion.

Products

During the Fair, a variety of goods are traded.Local artisans showcase their skills, offering handcrafted products like pottery, bamboo baskets, and metalwork items. These metalworks often include utensils, decorative objects, and traditional musical instruments made from iron, copper, and brass. Textiles are another major commodity at the fair. Merchants from distant regions, including Tibet and Nepal, bring a wide range of woolen products, such as blankets and durries. A variety of food items are being sold by the farmers including pulses, seeds, and spices from the hilly regions.

Locations

The Uttarayani fair is mostly held in the towns of Nainital, Haldwani, Almora, Pithoragarh, and Haridwar, as well as in regions such as Bageshwar, Rameshwar, Sult Mahadev, Ranibagh, and Hanseshwar. The Fair is also celebrated in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.​

Religious Sites

Bagnath temple during the Uttarayani Fair

The most prominent site during the Uttarayani Fair is the Bagnath Temple in Bageshwar,which serves as the main location for the fair and is known for its association with Lord Shiva. In addition to Badrinath Temple, devotees also visit local temples and shrines dedicated to various deities, such as the Rameshwar and Sult Mahadev temples, and sites like the Chitrashila and Hanseshwar on the Utarayani day. The banks of the Saryu and Gomti rivers are also considered sacred locations, where devotees perform ritualistic holy dips, which are believed to purify the soul and provide spiritual benefits.