Uttarayani fair is one of the oldest fairs in the region of Kumaon and has a history of more than 100 years of celebration. It connects the present with the time when there were no means of entertainment, malls, or big markets. In such a time, the Uttarayani fair played a crucial role in bringing a wide variety of cultural activities and local products in front of the masses. The fair gave people from different parts of the region an occasion to leave their busy lives and come together to celebrate the spirit of togetherness. 

The fair has a rich history that transcends mere entertainment. During the freedom struggle, it also played a vital role as it served as the medium to share social messages and other important news with the people. It also attracted the likes of Bapu Mohandas Karam Chand Gandhi ji in 1929 because it represented the fighting spirit against the unreasonable rules imposed by the British Empire.

Uttarakhand is well-known for the deep faith and religious zeal of its people. The fair holds religious significance as people from far-flung areas gather on the bank of the Saryu and Gomti rivers to take a holy dip on Sankrant or Makar Sankranti. They believe that taking a bath on this day is auspicious and washes away any Karma that may adversely affect their lives.

The fair highlights include cultural events by local artists representing their rich Kumaoni culture. The fair provides an opportunity for traders and weavers from different places to sell their products, and several food stalls, swings and rides are also set- up for the occasion. Visitors can take home several products, such as Handmade blankets, shawls, bamboo articles, iron and copper utensils, mattresses, sleek carpets, spices, etc.

One of the major attractions of the fair is Kumaoni music and dance performed by Choiliya dancers, who, in their colourful and unique dresses, create a thoroughly entertaining experience for the crowd. 

On the day of Uttarayani, the festival of Ghughutiya is another popular celebration in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. On this occasion, people prepare Ghughte (Collared Dove) of various shapes from dough and gur or sugar. The children wear a garland made of Ghughute and offer Puri (fried bread) and Ghughute to the crows, singing the popular folk song “Kale Kawwa”.

The Uttarayani fair is a colourful and rich cultural event that showcases the traditions, customs, and art forms of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It provides a glimpse into the local culture, allowing the numerous visitors, who come from all over the country, to purchase local handicrafts and traditional food items. The fair holds religious significance for the local people and has a rich history associated with it. It provides an opportunity for the community to come together and share their culture with others. It is an event that is not just limited to the local community but also offers a valuable opportunity for visitors to learn about and appreciate the diversity of India’s cultural heritage. It helps visitors understand and appreciate the challenges and struggles the Kumaon community faces and how they have preserved their culture and way of life through this fair. The Uttarayani fair is an event that should not be missed by anyone interested in experiencing the rich cultural heritage of India.