
Major Events & Festivals in Bareilly, India
1. Mahasu Devta Festival
A grand festival dedicated to the presiding deity of Bareilly, showcasing traditional music, dance, and cultural performances.
- Unique Traditions: Involves processions, folk songs, and unique rituals not found in other festivals.
- Community Participation: Offers a chance for locals and visitors to immerse themselves in Bareilly's rich cultural heritage.
- Local Cuisine: Provides an opportunity to taste traditional Kumaoni dishes during the festival.
2. Bareilly International Kite Festival
A vibrant event celebrating the art of kite-flying with participants from all over India and other countries.
- International Participation: Brings together kite enthusiasts from different cultures and countries.
- Beautiful Kites: Features large, intricately designed kites in various shapes and colors.
- Photography Opportunities: Offers stunning opportunities for capturing the beauty of these giant kites against the Bareilly sky.
3. Janmashtami
Celebration of Lord Krishna's birth anniversary with fervor and devotion, involving fasting, prayers, and community events.
- Religious Significance: Offers an insight into the deep-rooted religious beliefs of the local population.
- Community Bonding: Provides a platform for locals to come together and celebrate their faith.
- Food Offerings: Includes special prasad (offerings) made during the festival.
4. Ram Leela Mela
Reenactment of the epic Ramayana through live performances, music, and dance, drawing large crowds during Dussehra.
- Cultural Preservation: Preserves traditional art forms and storytelling techniques.
- Community Involvement: Includes local artists and performers, showcasing their talents.
- Spiritual Enlightenment: Provides an opportunity for spiritual growth through the retelling of the Ramayana story.
5. Kalidagar Art Festival
An annual event showcasing various art forms like painting, sculpture, and performance arts by renowned artists.
- Artistic Excellence: Features work from both established and emerging artists.
- Interactive Workshops: Offers opportunities for visitors to interact with artists and learn about their techniques.
- Cultural Exchange: Promotes cross-cultural understanding through the shared appreciation of art.
6. Ganga Dussehra
Celebration of the descent of Goddess Ganga on Earth, marked by bathing in the sacred rivers and offering prayers.
- Religious Significance: Significant for Hindu devotees as it marks the beginning of the holy month of Chaitra.
- Community Bonding: Brings together the local community for a shared religious experience.
- Spiritual Renewal: Offers an opportunity for spiritual cleansing and renewal.
7. Bareilly Trade Fair
A major trade event showcasing a wide range of products from various industries, attracting both local and international buyers.
- Business Opportunities: Provides a platform for businesses to expand their reach.
- Cultural Exchange: Promotes cross-cultural understanding through business interactions.
- New Product Discoveries: Allows visitors to discover new and innovative products.
8. Ramnagar Fair
An ancient fair held in Ramnagar during the month of Kartik, featuring a livestock market and various traditional games.
- Traditional Activities: Includes traditional activities like cockfights, bull races, and boat racing.
- Local Culture: Provides an insight into the rural lifestyle of the region.
- Business Opportunities: Offers opportunities for trading livestock and local handicrafts.
9. Holi in Bareilly
Celebration of the festival of colors with vibrant processions, music, dance, and the throwing of colored powders.
- Cultural Expression: Allows participants to express their joy and happiness through the use of colors.
- Community Bonding: Fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among participants.
- Food and Drink: Includes traditional Holi delicacies like gujiyas and bhaang.
10. Jhanda Mela
A fair held annually to mark the end of monsoon season, featuring a pole erected as a symbol of victory.
- Historical Significance: Holds historical significance as it dates back to the Mughal era.
- Community Bonding: Brings together the local community for a shared celebration.
- Food and Shopping: Offers a variety of food stalls and shopping opportunities.
11. Mahashivratri in Bareilly
A major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, marked by all-night prayers, fasting, and spiritual activities.
- Religious Significance: Signifies the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
- Community Participation: Offers an opportunity for locals to participate in religious activities.
- Spiritual Growth: Provides a chance for spiritual growth and self-realization.
12. Navratri Festival
Nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, marked by fasting, prayers, and cultural events.
- Religious Significance: Signifies the victory of good over evil.
- Community Bonding: Fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among participants.
- Cultural Events: Includes traditional dance forms like Garba and Dandiya Raas.
13. Diwali Celebrations in Bareilly
Festival of lights celebrated with much enthusiasm, featuring light displays, fireworks, and sweets.
- Cultural Expression: Allows participants to express joy and prosperity through the lighting of lamps.
- Community Bonding: Fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among participants.
- Food and Sweets: Includes traditional Diwali sweets like barfi and gulab jamun.
14. Christmas Celebrations in Bareilly
Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ with carol singing, church services, and community events.
- Religious Significance: Signifies the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Community Participation: Offers an opportunity for locals to participate in Christian traditions.
- Food and Drink: Includes traditional Christmas delicacies like plum cake and mince pies.
15. Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) in Bareilly
Islamic festival celebrating the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim's son Ismail, marked by sacrifice, feasting, and gifts.
- Religious Significance: Signifies obedience to God's commands.
- Community Bonding: Fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among participants.
- Cultural Exchange: Promotes cross-cultural understanding through shared religious practices.