Uttarakhand is a state known as much for its natural beauty as for its people and their culture and traditions. The state’s unique culture comprises traditional rites, rituals, beliefs, folklore, customs, and language. The Garhwali and Kumaoni belonging to various regions of the state, celebrate throughout the year, marking their festivals with music and dance in a traditional way.
Anduri Utsav, also known as the butter festival, is held in Raithal city in Uttarkashi district every year to Lord Krishna to protect cattle from evil forces while they were grazing in the open meadows of Dayara Bugyal. The people thank lord Krishna for this by celebrating Anduri Utsav.
This is the opportunity to play Holi with butter, milk, and ‘Chacch’ (buttermilk) on the greenery high altitude meadow. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was held on the 17th of June every year.
The festival is related to the practice of villagers moving to higher areas during the summer. For four long months in summer, the highlanders move to high altitudes for pasture with their cattle and sheep. When winter comes, and it’s time for them to leave the grasslands, the villagers celebrate ‘Anduri’ or Butter festival to express their gratitude to Mother Earth to nourish them with everything nature provides.