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Uttarayani (उत्तरायणी ) Fest of Uttarakhand

The Festival of Uttarayani called “Ghughutiya tyar” in the local dialect is celebrated in the Kumaun region of the hilly state of Uttarakhand on the eve of Makar Sankranti (January 14).
Uttarayani also called Ghughuti (घुघुति) in Kumaon, the sun enters the Zodiacal sign of ‘Makara’ (Capricon), i.e. from this day onwards the sun becomes ‘Uttarayan’ or it starts moving to the north. It is said that from this day, which signals a change of season, the migratory birds start returning to the hills. On Makar Sankranti people give Khichadi (a mixture of pulses and rice) in charity, take ceremonial dips in holy rivers, participate in the Uttarayani fairs and celebrate the festival of Ghughutia or Kale Kauva. During the festival of Kale Kauva (literal translation ‘black crow’) people make sweetmeats out of sweetened flour (flour and gur) deep fried in ghee, shape them in shapes such as drums, pomegranates, knives, and swords. These are fed to crows and other birds.
MakarSankranti is known as Ghughutia, or Kale Kauva, welcomes birds back from the winter migration. In fact Ghughuti itself is the name of a bird exclusive to Uttarakhand. Uttarayani, which marks the beginning of the northward journey of sun or Surya, is noted for the return of migratory birds to the hills of Uttarakhand.
Though Makar Sankranti is observed in most of the country with great enthusiasm, by flying kites, taking dips in holy rivers and donating khichdi (a mixture of rice and lentils cooked together), the style of Ghughutiya is unique to Uttarakhand
Popularly known as the festival of Ghughuti or #KaleKauva, people make sweetmeats out of sweetened flour- deep fried in ghee, in shapes such of drums, pomegranates, knives and swords. These are then strung together and worn as necklaces by children CultureUTTARAKHAND

Uttarayani Fair

The Uttarayani Fair is held on the occasion of Makar Sankranti which generally falls in the month of January. The fair is held in a number of places including Bageshwar,Haldawni Rameshwar, etc. on Uttarayani day. Of all the places, Bageshwar attracts the most number of crowd.

This is a cultural fair where items like iron and copper pots, baskets, casks, bamboo articles, mats, mattresses, carpets, blankets, herbs and spices are sold. A lot of cultural events like dance and musical performances are held during the fair.

Uttarayani Kautik In Bageshwar

Bageshwar

 

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