Introduction to the Phool Dei Festival in Uttaranchal
The lives of the people of Uttaranchal are filled with joy and gaiety whenever it is festival time. Several festivals are celebrated with a lot of fervor and enthusiasm. The Phool Dei festival is a distinctive festival marked by welcoming of the spring season, praying for general well being and preparation of special foods.
Description of the Phool Dei Festival in Uttaranchal
Young girls are the keenest participants in the Phool Dei Festival. The girls gather themselves in a group. They fill their plates with rice, jaggery, leaves and flowers. Then they visit each and every house of the locality offering their best wishes. Flowers and rice is sprinkled at the doorsteps of each household. While doing so they hum the notes of a song in sweet voices. They pray for the well being and prosperity of the household. In return, they are blessed by the elders and given return gifts.
The special dish that is prepared on the occasion of this festival is Sei. Flour, curd and jaggery are the principal ingredients of this sweet dish.
Memorable performances by folk artistes can be witnessed on the occasion of Phool Dei. They sing Riturain, Chaiti to greet the festival of spring. As a token of appreciation, they are given presents, money and food grains in return.
Time for celebrating the Phool Dei Festival in Uttaranchal
This festival is celebrated on the first day of the month of Chaitra according to the Hindu calendar. It falls approximately in the middle of the month of January. In certain places, this festival is celebrated throughout the month.
