Jhanda
Fair:
Jhanda Fair is held every year at the historic Guru Ram Rai
Darbar in Dehradun City on the fifth day after Holi in the sacred memory
of the Guru. The fair begins with putting up a new Jhanda (Flag) on the
staff located in the compound of the historic complex. Besides local
people, a large number of devotees turn up from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi,
U.P. and Himachal Pradesh etc.
Tapakeshwar:
Tapakeshwar
is a legendary place located on the eastern bank of the river Tons. Lord
Shiva is the reigning deity of the ancient temple located here in a cave.
In the Skandapurana, the place has been referred to as Deveshwara. It is
believed that during Dwaparyuga, this place was abode of Guru Dronacharya
who lived here with his family. Since then, the cave was known as Drona
Gufa. One of the famous heroes of Mahabharata and son of Guru Drona,
Ashwathama, was born here. When Ashwathama was very young, the poor father
could not find any milk for him. The Guru was too poor to afford a cow. It
was a matter of worry to the great master. One day, when young Ashwathama
was crying for milk, the helpless Gum advised him to pray and worship Lord
Shiva, who would bless him with milk. Ashwathama did so. Pleased with the
young boy's tough penance, Lord Shiva appeared before him in the garb of
Brahmin and enquired about his wish.
Little Ashwathama asked for
milk. Lord Shiva blessed him and said that milk would be made available
here. Ashwathama found milk falling on the Shivalinga, drop by drop.
Ashwathama had prayed to the Lord by the name of Tapakeshwar and hence the
place was known by the same name.
A big fair takes place here on
the Shivratri day. Thousands of devotees congregate at this place on the
day to offer prayers. Tapakeshwar is approachable from Dehradun by City
Bus OIL Three Wheelers. It is about 5 kms. from the Bus-Stand and 5.5 kms.
from the Railway Station.
Lakshman Siddha Fair:
Lakshman
Siddha is one of the four siddhpeeths around Dehradun. It has
immense religious importance. It is about 10 kms. away on
Dehradun-Rishikesh road. It can be easily approached by city bus or
three-wheelers and is located about 1 km off the road inside jungle. It is
mainly a local religious fair held every Sunday, but last Sunday of April
has a special significance, when people turn up in very large number and
congregation of 20 to 25 thousand people can be seen offering obeisance to
the Samadhi here.
Bissu Fair:
This fair is held at
the Jhanda ground in cantonment area of Chakrata block of the Dehradun
district. It is about 3 kms. from Chakrata. The fair reflects cultural
heritage and tradition of Jaunsari tribe. A large number of people turn up
in this fair from nearby Tehri, Uttarkashi and Saharanpur districts. The
fair marks harvesting season in the area and reflects the happiness of the
local people.
Mahasu Devta's Fair:
Mahasu Devta's
Fair is held at Hanol Which is about 120 kms. on the Chakrata Tyuni road.
The fair takes place in August every year, when Mahasu Devta (deity) is
taken out in a procession. Musical prayers continue for three days and
nights. The havan samagri (offering material) is arranged by the
Government of India. This is a local fair of Jaunsari tribe. Thousands of
participants throng the place on the occasion from the adjacent Tehri,
Uttarkashi and Saharanpur district.
Shaheed Veer Kesri
Chandra Fair (Chakrata Fair):
This fair is held at Ramtal in Nagau
gram sabha of Chakrata tehsil in Dehradun district. Ramtal is a
beautiful natural tank of about 30 mts. length and 30 mts. width, located
on a hill and is connected with a 700 mts. long motorable road. The tank
is surrounded by a green ground which is the venue of fair. Every year
during navratras (April) a big fair is held here. A temple and a memorial
dedicated to the freedom fighter Veer Kesri Chandra is located at this
spot.