Holi, But With Butter: Dayara Bugyal’s Unique Celebration

In the green alpine meadows of Dayara Bugyal, celebrations with butter and milk mark a unique local festival

Andhuri Holi will be celebrated on August 17 this year. Picture: Om_Joshi/Shutterstock

Written by: Et Al. Desk

3 min readAug 3, 2023 12:46 PM IST First published on: Aug 3, 2023 at 12:46 PM IST

If you are an avid trekker with a love for the outdoors, Dayara Bugyal trek might have featured on your itinerary. Considered to be one of the most spectacular alpine meadows in India, Dayara Bugyal (bugyal translates to alpine meadow) is located in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi, at an elevation of 10,000 ft. A trek from Barsu or Raithal takes you through lush forests and meandering streams and ends with an opening to a huge meadow.

A flock of sheep grazing at Dayara Bugyal. Picture: Shutterstock

While this trek makes Dayara Bugyal relatively popular among travellers, there is another reason why you might consider heading here. Each year, in August, this quaint hill region celebrates its own take on Holi, with butter! The villagers of Raithal, a small hamlet 5kms from this green bugyal, worship the Goddess of Meadow, or Bugyal Mata as she is locally revered, and mark Makhan Holi (also called Andhuri festival) with pomp and gaiety.

Local residents assemble in Dayara Bugyal to celebrate the festival. Picture: Om_Joshi/Shutterstock

Buttery Celebrations

The villagers of Raithal, who take their cattle to graze in the virgin meadows of Dayara Bugyal, believe that Lord Krishna and Bugyal Mata, keep their watchful eyes over their cattle. The cattle graze on the plentiful meadows replete with medicinal grass, fruits and flowers in spring, before snow carpets the region till the end of winter and the cattle headers return home, only to await next year’s spring. Andhuri Holi is hence, an act of giving thanks to the gods who protect their livelihood. While it was earlier played with cow dung, the festival has evolved over the years to include butter, alluding to Lord Krishna’s affinity for butter, which he would also steal from neighbouring households.

People celebrate Andhuri Holi by smearing butter and buttermilk on each other. Picture: Om_Joshi/Shutterstock

The festival is celebrated every year on Bhadon Sankranti, and takes place between August 16 to 18 every year. This year the date for the festival is August 17. Over 500 villagers descend to the bugyal and mark the festival with smearing butter and buttermilk on each other. Joined by locals from other villages, the festivities are marked by Dhol-Damau, and elaborate skits on the life of Lord Krishna, performed by locals in costumes.

Dahi-Handi is another popular aspect of the festival. Picture: Shutterstock

There was a time when Andhuri Holi was a muted affair, restricted to local villagers and shepherds. However, over the years, with the local tourist department’s involvement, it has emerged as a significant celebration in Garhwal Himalayas. A fair is also organised in the area, where the popular Dahi-Handi is also celebrated, in addition to traditional dance performances.

If you’re planning to attend the festival this year, you can combine a visit to Raithal with a camping or trekking adventure at Dayara Bugyal. Raithal also has a few homestays that can be booked for a more comfortable stay.

# Et Al