Bareilly/Dehradun: Uttarayan Mela will be organized from January 9 to January 11 at Bareilly Club Ground. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the fair. During this, artists from various districts of Uttarakhand showed their talent for the presentation of cultural programs. More than a hundred stalls were set up in the fair, where the famous Bal Mithai of the mountain, bamboo pickles along with other food items were available. The fair started with the traditional Rang Yatra, which started from Ambedkar Park in front of the Kotwali.
Uttarayani Mela is 100 years old
Uttarayani Mela is organized every year on Makar Sankranti in Bageshwar of Uttarakhand and Bareilly of Uttar Pradesh. The fair could not be organized in Bareilly only during the pandemic, but last year a three-day fair started. The history of Uttarayan Mela is about 100 years old.
Origin and religious significance of the fair
The Uttarayan Mela is celebrated every year on 14 January on the occasion of Makar Sankranti in Bageshwar district of Kumaon region. This fair not only has religious significance but also showcases the rich cultural heritage of Kumaon. On this day people gather to take bath in the Saryu and Gomti rivers. It is believed that bathing on Makar Sankranti destroys sins. People from far and wide come to take a holy bath on this occasion.
Cultural activities
The Uttarayan Mela becomes the main center of traditional art, dance and music of Kumaon. Here the ‘Choiliya’ dancers captivate the audience with their performances. Local artists showcase the culture of Kumaon through cultural programs. There are stalls of weavers and artisans in the fair, where handmade shawls, blankets, bamboo items, iron utensils and spices are sold. These products are a wonderful example of the folk art and craftsmanship of Kumaon.
Preparations to provide education till class three
Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and Governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari inaugurated the fair and urged people to stay connected with their mother tongue and culture. Supporting the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that efforts are being made to provide education in mother tongue till class three.
More than 200 stalls have been set up
This time, more than 200 stalls from all over the country have been set up in the fair. This fair has been taking place in Bareilly since 1993. More than 200 stalls from all over the country have been set up in the fair, which will show a glimpse of the culture and handicrafts of Uttarakhand. The fair started with Rang Yatra, in which folk artists spread the colors of the culture of Uttarakhand.
