Uttarakhand Public Holidays List 2023-2024. Uttarakhand, located in the northern part of India, is a state renowned for its picturesque landscapes, spiritual significance, and adventure opportunities. The state is often referred to as “Devbhoomi” or the Land of Gods due to its numerous temples, pilgrimage sites, and religious festivals.
Uttarakhand is blessed with the majestic Himalayan mountain range, which includes famous peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Bandarpunch. The state is dotted with scenic hill stations like Mussoorie, Nainital, and Ranikhet, offering breathtaking views of the mountains, lush green valleys, and sparkling lakes. These hill stations serve as popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, like as Jim Corbett National Park, Valley of Flowers National Park, and Rajaji National Park, are also located in the state. These protected areas are known for their rich biodiversity and provide habitats to a wide range of flora and fauna, including the endangered Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, and various species of birds.
Uttarakhand holds great spiritual significance as it is the land where the holy River Ganges originates from the Gangotri glacier. The Char Dham Yatra, which includes the pilgrimage to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, is a significant religious journey for Hindus. The state is also home to several ancient temples and ashrams, attracting devotees and seekers of spiritual enlightenment.
what are the principal holidays celebrated in the state of Uttarakhand?
Kumbh Mela: The Kumbh Mela is one of the most important festivals in Uttarakhand, held once every 12 years at Haridwar. It is a grand gathering of millions of devotees who come to take a holy dip in the sacred Ganges River to cleanse their sins.
Nanda Devi Raj Jat: Nanda Devi Raj Jat is a famous pilgrimage and cultural festival celebrated in Uttarakhand. It is a 280-kilometer trek that takes place once every 12 years, where devotees carry a palanquin (doli) of the goddess Nanda Devi to a high-altitude meadow.
Ganga Dussehra: Ganga Dussehra is a significant festival celebrated in Uttarakhand to mark the descent of the Ganges River on Earth. Devotees take a dip in the holy river and offer prayers to seek blessings and purification.
Makar Sankranti: Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival celebrated in Uttarakhand and other parts of India. People fly colorful kites, prepare traditional delicacies like til ke laddoo (sesame seed sweets), and offer prayers to the Sun God.
Holi: Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Uttarakhand. People throw colored powders and water at each other, dance to traditional folk music, and indulge in festive treats.
Basant Panchami: Basant Panchami marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated with fervor in Uttarakhand. People worship Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and arts, and fly kites to symbolize the arrival of the new season.
Diwali: Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm in Uttarakhand. People decorate their homes with oil lamps, burst fireworks, exchange gifts, and enjoy delicious sweets.
Nanda Devi Festival: The Nanda Devi Festival is dedicated to the goddess Nanda Devi and is celebrated in various parts of Uttarakhand. It involves vibrant processions, folk dances, music performances, and cultural programs.
Bhitauli: Bhitauli is a traditional festival celebrated by the women of Uttarakhand. They exchange gifts and colorful hand-woven baskets filled with fruits, sweets, and other items as a symbol of love and prosperity.
Kumaoni Holi: Kumaoni Holi is a unique and vibrant version of the festival of colors celebrated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It involves traditional songs, dances, and rituals specific to the region.
1)When is Uttarakhand Foundation Day celebrated? Ans Uttarakhand Foundation Day is celebrated on November 9th every year. It marks the formation of the state of Uttarakhand on this day in 2000.
2)Is Baisakhi a public holiday in Uttarakhand? Ans Yes, Baisakhi is a public holiday in Uttarakhand. It is celebrated on April 13th every year and is a significant festival for the Sikh community. People participate in processions, visit gurudwaras, and engage in community meals.
3)Are national holidays observed in Uttarakhand? Ans Yes, national holidays such as Independence Day (August 15th), Republic Day (January 26th), and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2nd) are observed in Uttarakhand, just like in the rest of India.
4)Is Diwali a public holiday in Uttarakhand? Ans Yes, Diwali is a public holiday in Uttarakhand. It is one of the most important festivals in India, celebrated with great enthusiasm. People light oil lamps, decorate their homes, exchange gifts, and enjoy fireworks.
5)When is Holi celebrated in Uttarakhand? Ans Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated in Uttarakhand on the same day as in the rest of India. It usually falls in the month of March, with the exact date varying each year based on the Hindu calendar.
6)Are there any regional holidays specific to Uttarakhand? Ans Yes, there are regional holidays in Uttarakhand that are specific to the state. These holidays may be associated with local festivals, cultural events, or historical significance.
