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FESTIVALS · UTTARAKHAND · JANUARY

Uttarakhand festivals in January.

7 festivals this month — dates, locations, and travel tips.

Auli Winter Carnival

Auli

Skiing competitions and snow sports festival at Auli's slopes at 2,500m, featuring national-level ski races, snowboarding, and après-ski cultural programs.

January (varies)

Binsar Makar Sankranti

Binsar

Hill communities around Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary celebrate with bonfires, traditional Kumaoni folk songs, and exchange of khichari (lentil-rice dish) at dawn.

January 14

Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri (Kumbh legacy)

Haridwar

The spectacular daily Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri draws massive crowds; during Kumbh Mela years the gathering swells to tens of millions.

Year-round (Maha Kumbh every 12 years)

Magh Mela

Uttarkashi

A week-long fair on the banks of the Bhagirathi with ritual bathing, folk performances, and a vibrant local market — one of Uttarkashi's biggest gatherings.

January (Makar Sankranti to Basant Panchami)

Magh Mela (Jaunsar)

Chakrata

Local winter harvest fair with bonfires, folk songs, and traditional Jaunsar food celebrations in the hill villages around Chakrata.

January (Makar Sankranti)

Uttarayani Fair

Mukteshwar

Makar Sankranti celebrations in the Kumaon hills with community bonfires, traditional Aipan art displays, and local markets selling woolen handicrafts.

January 14 (Makar Sankranti)

Uttarayani Mela

Ranikhet

Harvest festival celebrated with local fairs, traditional food, folk songs, and community bonfire gatherings.

January 14 (Makar Sankranti)

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