Looking for the most authentic festivals in Bhimtal to plan your visit around? From colorful fairs to spiritual yatras, Bhimtal and its nearby villages like Mehragaon, Padampuri, and Chanfi celebrate unique Kumaoni traditions that you won’t find in commercial tourist spots.
Whether you want to experience traditional rituals, folk dances, or local cuisine, here’s a complete guide to the festivals of Bhimtal—when they happen, what to expect, and how to be a part of them.
Popular Festivals in Bhimtal (Approx Dates)
| Festival Name | Month | Celebrated In | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harela Festival | July | All villages & Bhimtal town | Tree planting, local songs, rituals |
| Nanda Devi Jaat | Sept-Oct | Chanfi, Nainital, Almora | Yatra, folk music, traditional wear |
| Bikhauti Mela | April | Doba, nearby temples | Wrestling, stalls, village gathering |
| Kumaoni Holi | Feb–Mar | Bhimtal, Mehragaon | Baithki Holi, folk music & instruments |
| Golu Devta Festival | Aug | Ghorakhal, near Bhowali | Bell offerings, temple fair |
| Diwali & Deepotsav | Oct-Nov | Bhimtal Lake, homes & shops | Diyas on the lake, local sweets |
| Makar Sankranti (Ghughutiya) | Jan | Bhimtal & villages | Local sweets, bird feeding tradition |
Harela: Bhimtal’s Green Festival of Renewal
Harela Festival in Bhimtal, celebrated in July, is one of the most eco-conscious and culturally rich traditions in Uttarakhand. The word Harela means “Day of Green”, marking the sowing season.
Families sow seven types of grains in small baskets 10 days prior, which are later offered to deities. Schools and communities plant trees, spreading awareness about environmental care.
✅ Tip: If you visit Bhimtal during Harela, you can join local schools in their plantation drives or attend village rituals in places like Jungaliya Gaon.
Nanda Devi Jaat and Folk Rituals in Nearby Villages
Held once a year (and every 12 years for the larger yatra), this is among the most spiritual and visually rich festivals near Bhimtal, especially in Chanfi and Almora.
Local women carry beautifully decorated palanquins of Goddess Nanda Devi, singing folk hymns and participating in processions.
This is a perfect opportunity for photographers and cultural travelers.
Explore other offbeat experiences around Bhimtal.
Kumaoni Holi in Bhimtal: A Musical Celebration
Unlike mainstream Holi, Kumaoni Holi in Bhimtal is celebrated through Baithki Holi (sitting Holi) and Khari Holi (standing/dancing Holi). Local men gather in homes and temples, singing classical ragas and folk songs for several days before Holi.
- Instruments: Harmonium, Tabla, Dhol, Daf (Dafli)
- Locations: Temples in Mehragaon, Pandeygaon, and main Bhimtal town
Don’t miss the musical Holi evening in March at Bhimtal temple chowks.
Golu Devta Festival at Ghorakhal (Near Bhimtal)
Just 8 km from Bhimtal, Ghorakhal Temple is dedicated to Golu Devta, the god of justice. In August, thousands of devotees offer brass bells and letters to seek blessings.
The temple now has over 50,000 bells, making it a must-visit during festival days.
Include this in your custom Bhimtal tour packages.
Diwali on Bhimtal Lake – A View to Remember
During Diwali, locals light diyas (lamps) across their rooftops and shops. Bhimtal Lake becomes a floating canvas of light, with diyas released on lotus leaves.
- Don’t miss Deepotsav at Bhimeshwar Temple, followed by local dance and music near the lake.
This is a beautiful, spiritual time to book your stay at a lakeview homestay or resort.
View Bhimtal homestays with lake view options
Ghughutiya (Makar Sankranti): Feeding Birds for Prosperity
A sweet and symbolic festival in January, Ghughutiya involves children making garlands of deep-fried sweet birds (made from jaggery and flour) and feeding real birds with it.
- Kids sing:
“काले कौवा काले घुघुति माला खाले,
ले कौवा बड़ा, मकें दे सुणो घड़ा
ले कौवा ढाल मकें दे सुणो थाल”
This reflects the region’s deep love for nature and coexistence.
Ghee Sankranti (Olgia)
Celebrated on the first day of Bhado (in August) to mark the bond between artisans and farmers, this unique Kumaoni festival features families exchanging symbolic items like ploughs, sickles, and handmade tools.
- When: Mid-August
- Where: Rural areas like Chanfi, Padampuri
- Highlights: Feasts of ghee, donations from sons-in-law and nephews, symbolic tools
Farmers consume ghee, churma, and traditional sweets, symbolizing strength and nourishment.
How to Attend These Festivals in Bhimtal
Bhimtal’s festivals aren’t just for locals—they welcome travelers to observe and participate with open arms. Here’s how you can make the most of them:
✅ Tips for Travelers:
- Check festival calendars before planning your trip.
- Stay with locals or in homestays to experience cultural hospitality.
- Ask before photographing rituals—some may be private.
- Carry traditional attire for respectful temple visits.
Why Visit Bhimtal During Festivals?
Unlike city festivals, those in Bhimtal are:
- ✅ Less commercial, more spiritual
- ✅ Full of organic music, dance, rituals, and joy
- ✅ Ideal for slow travelers and cultural explorers
Visiting Bhimtal during Harela, Holi, or Ramleela is a window into Himalayan life and belief systems.
FAQs: Festivals in Bhimtal
Plan around March (Holi), July (Harela), or October (Nanda Devi Fair) for immersive experiences.
Yes. Villagers are welcoming, and many offer cultural stays or invite guests to join.
Mostly yes, but ask locals or event organizers before photographing rituals or temples.
Yes, temples like Bhimeshwar Mahadev and Karkotak Nag hold special prayers and events during Navratri and Sankranti.
Prefer modest, comfortable clothing. For temple visits, wear traditional or covered attire.
Conclusion: Celebrate Life the Kumaoni Way
Festivals in Bhimtal are not just events—they’re a soulful expression of gratitude, community, and faith. Whether you’re dancing during Holi, sowing seeds on Harela, or tasting ghee-laden sweets during Sankranti, you become a part of the Kumaoni rhythm of life.
Want a Festival Tour Planned for You?
We can help you explore Bhimtal during its most vibrant days with a custom stay and cultural tour package—perfect for photographers, cultural enthusiasts, or even spiritual travelers.
Contact us for local homestay bookings, Car Rentals or a guided cultural trip.