Andhuri Utsav or ‘Butter Festival’

Uttarakhand, often referred to as the "Land of the Gods," is renowned for its spiritual significance and the numerous temples and pilgrimage sites that dot its landscape. However, the state is not just about spirituality; it also offers a tapestry of cultural festivals celebrating various aspects of life, history, and mythology. These festivals provide a glimpse into the vibrant traditions and customs passed down through generations.

Uttarakhand is a Himalayan state known for its unique culture and festivals that due to the unavailability of knowledge are only restricted to the hills. One such distinctive festival is the Butter Festival or Butter Holi locally famous as “Andhuri Utsav” or sometimes also spelled as “Anduri Utsav”.

As the name suggests, Butter Holi is a festival in which the local dwellers smear milk, butter, buttermilk, or ‘chaanch’ on each other. From the elderly to the young nobody misses a chance to get drenched in the pristine white colour of Andhuri.

The origin of Butter Holi

Butter festival as we city-bred people call it is a fair in which the shepherds or the villagers offer fresh produce of their cattle to nature, the driving force of our existence. It is held in the lush velvety meadows of Dayara Bugyal in Uttarkashi that graciously sprawl over an area of 28 sq. km.

Seated at an altitude of 3,048 meters above sea level, this plush Bugyal is home to varied Himalayan wild flora. One can reach Dayara by following a swift trail of 5 km from Raithal village that’ll make you sweat if you are a newbie to hills.

How Andhuri Utsav or Butter Festival became famous among tourists?

Until tourism tip-toed in the virgin meadows of Uttarakhand that were relatively unexplored, Andhuri festival was a myth to the city dwellers of Uttarakhand. In a few years, the tourism industry has started cashing on it by organizing treks, cultural trips, eco-tourism, and other terms coined for the same purpose. In one or the other way, they have given some source of livelihood to the inhabitants of the valley.

Where does the festivity of Butter Holi take place?

The Butter festival also known as Makhan Holi is held on Bhadon Sankranti that takes place between August 16 to 18 every year. The procession starts with around 500 villagers who climb uphill to play white Holi with butter and milk in the meadow of Dayara. The locals sing and dance to the beats of Dhol-Damau (a Pahadi musical instrument) and express gratitude towards Bugyal Mata or the “Goddess of Meadow”.

People from neighboring villages also join in to honour the Bugyal Devi. The youngsters put on a religious theatrical performance for the villagers to feast on. The performers wear elaborate attires and perform skits of Lord Krishna and Radha. Children also participate in cultural programs, make merry and enrapture themselves in the festive spirit.

All about Andhuri Festival, famous as “Makhhan Holi” among locals

Every year on the onset of summer, the villagers of Raithal along with their cattle mount atop Dayara Bugyal tucked in the Garhwal Himalayas. The meadow of Dayara becomes their temporary abode, where they stay for about 4 months until the arrival of winter. During this short stay in the meadow, the cattle graze on the nutritious, organic grass and seasonal fruits that grow in abundance at Dayara during the rainy season.

Before retreating to their village at around mid-August, the shepherd’s express gratitude to mother nature for nursing their livestock. They thank the pastures for providing quality fodder to their cattle and also for their safe survival in the meadows of Dayara. On the first day of Bhadrapada (Sankranti) around August 16th, the villagers observe Butter Holi in which they worship nature. The locals play Holi with butter and thank Bugyal Devi for blessing their cattle with generous milk production.

The Butter Festival celebrated during Bhadon Sankranti between August 16 and 18, exudes charm and cultural significance. Commencing at Dayara Bugyal, the festival begins with a procession of approximately 500 villagers ascending the hills to engage in a vibrant and delightful butter and milk-infused version of Holi. The locals, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the traditional Pahadi instrument Dhol-Damau, express their deep gratitude towards Bugyal Mata, the revered "Goddess of Meadow."

The locals, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the traditional Pahadi instrument Dhol-Damau, express their deep gratitude towards Bugyal Mata

Preparations for this grand celebration extend for weeks as villagers invite their loved ones to participate. Their dwellings and barns are adorned with floral arrangements, while a tradition of adorning the doors with Pooris (deep-fried bread), is meticulously observed. While cow dung was previously used to playfully welcome guests, it has now been substituted with butter and buttermilk, ensuring a more enjoyable experience. Additional elements have been seamlessly integrated to enhance its visual allure in response to the festival's burgeoning popularity among tourists.

A vibrant fair is hosted, featuring activities like Dahi-handi, traditional folk music, and dances like Dhimai and Mithi. Attendees adorn themselves in traditional attire, embellishing their faces with butter as the metaphorical equivalent of colours in the Holi festival. At the same time, buttermilk is playfully tossed and poured, adding an extra layer of merriment to the celebration. With the active involvement of the local tourism department, the festival has evolved into a more diverse spectacle, attracting visitors from far and wide.

Attendees adorn themselves in traditional attire, embellishing their faces with butter.

However, the allure of Dayara Bugyal extends beyond its cultural festivities, beckoning adventure enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty. The landscapes present an array of breathtaking hiking trails, offering panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks and verdant valleys. For those with a penchant for thrilling escapades, the opportunity to partake in trekking, camping, and even paragliding awaits, providing an immersive encounter with the unspoiled splendour of the Himalayas. Dayara Bugyal's serene and untamed allure makes it an idyllic haven for nature aficionados and intrepid explorers seeking an unforgettable rendezvous with the great outdoors.

How to Reach Dayara Bugyal?

To reach Dayara Bugyal, first, make your way to Dehradun. From there, you can access Dayara Bugyal through the villages of Barsu or Raithal. Options for commuting to Barsu/Raithal include state buses near the Mussoorie bus stand or private buses. Shared cabs are available from Uttarkashi to Raithal/Bhatwari, and it's recommended to check availability at the Uttarkashi taxi stand. Consider taking a cab from Bhatwari to Raithal in the afternoon for better frequency. Raithal village serves as the base camp for the Dayara Bugyal trek, where you can rest overnight before starting your trek the next day.