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. 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.

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. ​

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.

Products

File:Carpets selling at the Uttarayani Fair.jpg

Merchants selling carpets at the Uttarayani Fair

The fair is renowned for its bustling marketplace, where 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. Locally woven clothing items are also popular among buyers. A variety of food items, including pulses, seeds, and spices, sourced from the hilly regions are available for purchase.

Bagnath temple during the Uttarayani Fair

Locations

The Uttarayani 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, Haridwar, Bageshwar, Rameshwar, Sult Mahadev, Ranibagh and Hanseshwar.

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.