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Draft:Uttarayani Fair

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Uttarayani Fair
Uttarayani Mela
File:Uttarayani Fair.png
View of the Uttarayani Fair
StatusAnnually
Date(s)Starts on the Second week of January (around January 14); Peak: last 5 days
Location(s)Kumaon Division, Uttarakhand, India
Country India
ParticipantsHindu pilgrims
Attendance> 200,000
ActivityFolk 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,[1] marking the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. [2]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.[3]

Etymology

The term "Uttarayani" comes from two Sanskrit words: Uttara, which means "north," and Ayana, which means "movement" or "path."[4] 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.​[5]

History

In 1921, Pandit Badri Dutt Pandey, a key 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.[6] [7]His speeches rallied community support for social justice and resistance. Mahatma Gandhi also recognized the fair's importance when he visited it in 1929. [8][9]

Legends and Folklores

One of the notable legends associated with the Uttarayani Fair involves Lord Shiva.[10]Local folklore suggests that the fair is celebrated at a location where it is believed that Lord Shiva once roamed as a tiger, [11]particularly in the vicinity of the sacred Saryu River. According to the locals, the sage Markandeya is thought to have prayed to Lord Shiva at this site, asking for blessings and guidance.[12] ​[13]

Cultural Performances

Traditional dances during the fair

Folk artists perform traditional songs and dances, including chholiyas, Jhoras, Chancharis, and Bairas,[14]. In addition to musical performances, the fair showcases local cuisines, featuring festive dishes to the Uttarayani celebrations, such as the sweet delicacy Ghughute, which is specifically made for this occasion.[15]

Products

File:Carpets selling at the Uttarayani Fair.jpg
Merchants selling carpets at the Uttarayani Fair

During the Fair, a variety of goods are traded.[16]Local artisans showcase their skills, offering handcrafted products like pottery, bamboo baskets, and metalwork items.[17] 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.[18] 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.[19][20]

Locations

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

Religious Sites

Bagnath temple during the Uttarayani Fair

The most prominent site during the Uttarayani Fair is the Bagnath Temple in Bageshwar,[21]which serves as the main location for the fair and is known for its association with Lord Shiva.[22] 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.[23] The banks of the Saryu and Gomti rivers are also considered a sacred location, where devotees perform ritualistic holy dips, believed to purify the soul and provide spiritual benefits.[24][25]

References

  1. ^ "Uttarayani fair in Bageshwar kickstarts with cultural splendour". The Times of India. 2024-01-15. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  2. ^ Storytrails (2023-01-14). "Makar Sankranti: A Chronicle of Calendars". Storytrails. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  3. ^ Nanda (2019-01-08). "Uttarayani Fair Bageshwar | Mythology, Event, Festival Info | Uttarayani Mela". www.euttaranchal.com. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  4. ^ "What & When Is Uttarayan?". Dictionary.com. 2022-01-12. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  5. ^ "The Significance of Uttarayana". isha.sadhguru.org. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ "Badri dutt Pandey's speech at the uttarayani fair in 1921". IndianCulturegov.in.
  8. ^ Tree, Kafal (2019-01-20). "Glimpses of Bageshwar Uttarayani Fair". Kafal Tree. Retrieved 2024-12-06.
  9. ^ "Gandhi's visit to kumaon in 1929". Indianculturegov.in.
  10. ^ "Himalayas, the Abode of Lord Shiva". Hindustan.com.
  11. ^ "Bagnath Temple, Bageshwar: A Spiritual Journey to Lord Shiva's Abode". helloprabhu.com. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  12. ^ "Bagnath Temple Travel Guide 2024 | Bageshwar - Uttarakhand Guide". Uttarakhand State | Tourism Guide | Details of all places. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  13. ^ "Temple dedicated to the lord shiva on the festive of Uttarayani fair". Uttrakhand Tourism.
  14. ^ "Uttarayani Festival in Uttarakhand - Popular Festival of Uttarakhand". www.tourmyindia.com. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  15. ^ "All About Ghughutiya and Kumaon's Uttarayani Mela". Outlook India. 2022-01-15. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  16. ^ "Bageshwar News: उत्तरायणी मेले में इस बार कम बिके हस्तशिल्पियों के उत्पाद". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  17. ^ "History Of Uttarayani Fair". Issuu. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  18. ^ "Uttarayani Fair: Uttarayani Fair". kumaon.gov.in. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  19. ^ Nanda (2019-01-08). "Uttarayani Fair Bageshwar | Mythology, Event, Festival Info | Uttarayani Mela". www.euttaranchal.com. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  20. ^ Bharat, E. T. V. (2023-01-20). "Bageshwar Uttarayani Mela: मेले में लगा विकास प्रदर्शनी, किसानों के उत्पादों ने लोगों का ध्यान खींचा". ETV Bharat News (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  21. ^ "Bagnath temple at Bagnath". Uttarakhand Tourism.
  22. ^ ahlawat.vinod (2024-09-26). "Uttarayani Fair -". Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  23. ^ "Uttarayani Fair: Uttarayani Fair". kumaon.gov.in. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  24. ^ Sangeeta (2013-04-10). "Significance of the Holy Dip in Hinduism". Life is a Vacation. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  25. ^ "Ghughutiya/Makar Sankranti Festival of Uttarakhand". Retrieved 2024-12-07.
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