Places
of Interest
Jhanda Fair
Jhanda Fair is held every year at the historic Guru Ram Rai Darbar in Dehradun
City on 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 Fair
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, this place has been referred to as Deveshwara.
It is believed that during Dwaparyuga, this place was abode of Guru Dronacharaya
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 Guru 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 or Three Wheelers. It is about 5kms. from the Bus-Stand
and 5.5kms. 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 10kms. 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 3kms. from Chakrata. The fair reflects
cultural heritage and tradition of Jaunsari tribe. A large number of people
turn up in this fair from nearby Trhri, Uttarkashi and Saharanpur districts.
The fair marks harvesting season inthe area and reflects the happiness of the
local people.
Mahasu Devta's Fair
Mahasu Devta's fair is held at Hanol which is about 120kms. 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 night.
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 Chand Fair (Chaktata 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 30mts. length and 30mts.
width, located on a hill and is connected with a 700mts. 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.
Lakhawar Fair
This village fair is held during Sept.-Oct. and is very popular in the neighbouring
area of Chakrata, 78 km. from Mussoorie. The fair reflects of the Garhwali tribes.
Activities include cultural programmes and sport competitions.
Hanol Mela, Chakrata
The temple of Hanol in Chakrata, 78 km. from Mussoorie is the venue of an exotic
fair. The hill dwellers of the state gather in October to worship in all their
finery. This is an opportunity to exchange message, purchase wares from various
merchants and to celebrate with friends and relatives before the onset of a
harsh winter.
Neelkanth Mahadev Mela
Situated at a height of 1675 mts. on a hill above Swarg Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadev
is one of the most revered temples of Rishikesh. According to a legend, after
the great 'Sagar Manthan' the churning of the sea by gods and demons, Lord Shiva
drank all the effluent venom that turned up from the manthan. The poison turned
his throat blue and hence the name Neelkanth (Blue throat). An important fair
is held in the Hindu month of Bhadrapad (July/August) when a visit to the temple
is considered auspicious.
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