Draft:Uttarayani Fair
| Uttarayani Fair Uttarayani Mela | |
|---|---|
| File:Uttarayani Fair.png View of the Uttarayani Fair | |
| 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 festival celebrated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India, marking the auspicious 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" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Uttara," meaning "north," and "Ayana," meaning "movement" or "path." Together, Uttarayani signifies the northward journey of the sun as it transitions 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, a time celebrated in various cultures across India.
History
The Uttarayani Fair has historically served as a vital platform for political activism and discourse, significantly impacting India's freedom struggle. In 1921, Pandit Badri Dutt Pandey, a key leader from the Kumaon region associated with the Kumaun Parishad, leveraged the fair to mobilize local peasants against the oppressive begar system implemented by the British colonial administration.[1] [2]His passionate speeches rallied community support for social justice and resistance. Mahatma Gandhi also recognized the fair's importance; he visited in 1929, drawn by the robust spirit of resistance from the local populace.[3][4]
Legends and Folklores
One of the notable legends linked to the Uttarayani Fair involves Lord Shiva. Local folklore suggests that the fair is celebrated at a location where it is believed that Lord Shiva once roamed as a tiger, particularly in the vicinity of the sacred Saryu River. According to these traditions, the sage Markandeya is thought to have prayed to Lord Shiva at this site, asking for blessings and guidance. [5]
Rituals
During the fair, devotees gather at the confluence of the Sarayu and Gomati rivers to take a holy dip. This ritual is believed to purify the soul and bring spiritual enlightenment. The fair also features various cultural programs, including folk music and dance performances, and traditional handicraft exhibitions.
Cultural Performances
Religious Sites
Deities Worshipped
Locations
The Uttariyani Fair is primarily held in various towns and villages of Uttarakhand, particularly in the Kumaon and Garhwal regions. It is most notably celebrated in the towns of Nainital, Haldwani, Almora, Pithoragarh, and Haridwar.
Religious Significance
The Bagnath Temple, located on the banks of the Saryu River, is the focal point of the fair. Devotees visit the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and is considered one of the most sacred shrines in the region.
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References
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Badri dutt Pandey's speech at the uttarayani fair in 1921". IndianCulturegov.in.
- ^ Tree, Kafal (2019-01-20). "Glimpses of Bageshwar Uttarayani Fair". Kafal Tree. Retrieved 2024-12-06.
- ^ "Gandhi's visit to kumaon in 1929". Indianculturegov.in.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Temple dedicated to the lord shiva on the festive of Uttarayani fair". Uttrakhand Tourism.