Uttarakhand is the mixed blend of people of many faiths but it is more popular as the land of the gods or Dev Bhumi. The people of this state are of religious and social nature hence this region is well known for its various fairs and festivals, which are the best occasions to peep into the lives of the local people.
The fairs in this region offer a great opportunity to buy some of the rare handicraft and other goods prepared by local artisans. Apart from shopping they are the venues to visit with your family and friends for enjoying a day, while moving around the stalls and food centres where one can eat some of the delicious local dishes. In short fairs of Uttarakhand are just the best venues to forget tensions of everyday life. These fairs are the best earning sources for local businessman as well. The entertainment at fairs includes folk dances, which are taking shape on the rhythms of melodious folk music. Many times this medium is used as the best tool for educating the masses. Tourists coming to Uttarakhand enjoy these fairs while mingling with the locals. Some of the fairs like Bageshwar, Jauljibi and Thal are well known for their trading activities. Other fairs like Devidhura are meant for religious and cultural activities.
Apart from the religious and cultural fairs some of the towns and villages of Uttarakhand celebrate fairs and festivals in particular seasons. One of the best examples of such seasonal fairs is the kumbh mela known by different names like Maha Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh. These melas attract many people from the surrounding as well as distant places. Jathas and akhadas of sadhus arrive at these venues to take a dip in the waters of sacred rivers. The kumbh mela comes after every twelve years and hence keeps a major importance in the religious circles.
Some of the fairs in this region are associated with happy moments like harvest time when the farmers and villagers are in a happy mood and express their joy and happiness in the form of dance and other performances. Gangs of celebrators are seen enjoying at these fairs and drinking local hot drinks. Fairs arranged during holy festival is the best example when men and women, rich and poor all are set to enjoy the festive mood by greeting each other and throwing colour on each other. These fairs are supposed to be one of the top Bhimtal attractions.
Bhimtal the incredible tourist spot in Uttarakhand located near Nainital is supposed as the abode of gods and one of the best tourist spots in this region, with Bhimtal Lake attracting more tourists to its serene surroundings. Apart from the central attraction there are many other beautiful locations in Bhimtal and some of the interesting fairs like Harela Mela are arranged on the grounds of Ramilla. This fair called €Green fair€ is celebrated three times in a year. It keeps importance among the farmer community since it is related to agricultural activities.