Uttarayani Mela
The Uttarayani Mela, is an annual fair held in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. It marks the occasion of Makar Sankranti, typically taking place in the second week of January. The most significant celebration occurs at Bageshwar, where the fair is held along the banks of the Saryu and Gomti rivers, particularly at the Bagnath Temple.
Etymology
The term "Uttarayani" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Uttara" and "Ayana". It refers to the sun's northward movement 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.
History
In 1921, Badri Datt Pandey, a leader from the Kumaon region and member of the Kumaun Parishad, attended the fair to mobilize local peasants against the begar system, which the British colonial administration implemented. His speeches were in support of social justice and resistance.
Mahatma Gandhi also visited the fair during his 1929 tour of Kumaon.
Legends and folklore
Local folklore associates the fair with a site where Shiva is said to have roamed as a tiger. The fair is held near the Saryu River, which is considered significant by locals. According to local tradition, the sage Markandeya is believed to have prayed to Shiva at this site, seeking blessings and guidance.
Cultural performances
Traditional folk performances, including songs and dances such as chholiyas, jhoras, chancharis, and bairas, are presented during the fair. The event also features local cuisine, including traditional dishes associated with Uttarayani celebrations, such as ghughute, a sweet delicacy prepared specifically for this occasion.
Products
During the fair, various goods are traded. Local artisans display their works, including handcrafted items such as pottery, bamboo baskets, and metalwork. Metalwork items often comprise utensils, decorative objects, and traditional musical instruments made from iron, copper, and brass. Textiles are also a major commodity at the fair, with merchants from regions including Tibet and Nepal selling woolen products like blankets and durries. Farmers sell food items, including pulses, seeds, and spices from the hilly regions.
Locations
The fair is held in various towns and regions of Uttarakhand, including Nainital, Haldwani, Almora, Pithoragarh, Haridwar, Bageshwar, Rameshwar, Sult Mahadev, Ranibagh, and Hanseshwar. The fair is also celebrated in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.
Religious sites
The Bagnath Temple in Bageshwar is a religious site, serving as the main location for the fair and being associated with Shiva. Devotees also visit other local temples and shrines, such as the Badrinath Temple, Rameshwar, and Sult Mahadev temples, as well as sites like Chitrashila and Hanseshwar on Uttarayani day. The banks of the Saryu and Gomti rivers are also significant, where devotees perform ritual dips, believed by some to have spiritual benefits.