🌸 Dayara Bugyal Janmashtami Butter Festival – A Celebration in the Meadows of Heaven
Introduction
Imagine celebrating Janmashtami, not in a crowded city temple, but in the majestic meadows of Dayara Bugyal, surrounded by the mighty Himalayas. Welcome to the Butter Festival – a unique and vibrant celebration held every year in Dayara Bugyal, Uttarkashi, during Krishna Janmashtami.
This festival beautifully blends Garhwali traditions, Krishna devotion, and Himalayan culture, where locals and trekkers gather in one of India’s most stunning alpine meadows to play with butter, curd, and wildflowers – just like Lord Krishna’s childhood leelas.
🔗 Read more on Uttarakhand Tourism’s blog
🧈 What is the Butter Festival?
Locally known as Anduri Utsav, the Butter Festival is a traditional celebration of the Bhotiya and Garhwali communities in Uttarkashi. It honors the birth of Lord Krishna, lovingly called the Makhan Chor (Butter Thief).
Instead of temple rituals, locals and travelers celebrate in the open meadows by throwing butter, buttermilk, and flowers at each other. Dressed in colorful traditional attire, they dance to folk music and rejoice together, attracting trekkers, tourists, and photographers from all over India.
👉 This unique experience is at the heart of the Dayara Bugyal Janmashtami Butter Festival.
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📍 Where is Dayara Bugyal?
Dayara Bugyal is one of the most scenic and beginner-friendly trekking destinations in Uttarakhand, located at an altitude of around 11,800 feet in the Uttarkashi district.
The word Bugyal means high-altitude meadow. In the monsoon, these meadows bloom with wildflowers, while in winter they turn into a snow-covered wonderland – making Dayara a year-round destination for nature lovers and trekkers.
During Janmashtami, Dayara becomes the center of Garhwal’s cultural celebration – especially during the Dayara Bugyal Janmashtami Butter Festival.
✨ Highlights of the Dayara Bugyal Butter Festival Trek
- 🛕 Cultural Immersion: Experience Garhwali traditions and Krishna-themed celebrations.
- 🧈 Butter, Buttermilk & Flowers: Like Holi, but with curd, butter, and mountain blooms!
- 🏞️ Himalayan Views: Enjoy views of Bandarpunch, Srikanth, and Black Peak.
- 🎶 Folk Music & Dance: Witness traditional dhol-damau and local Garhwali performances.
- 🥾 Peaceful Trekking Route: Hike through forests, alpine meadows, and quaint villages.
- 🛖 Authentic Stays: Choose between homestays and scenic camping experiences.
📅 When is the Butter Festival in 2025?
In 2025, Janmashtami falls on Saturday, August 16. The Butter Festival at Dayara Bugyal will be held around this date, depending on local customs and weather.
We recommend reaching Raithal village (the trek base) one day prior to join the celebration in time.
🗺️ Trek Itinerary – 4 Days / 3 Nights
Day 1: Arrive at Raithal village from Dehradun/Haridwar, overnight in a guest house
Day 2: Trek to Gui or Chilapada campsite (4–5 km), acclimatize and rest
Day 3: Trek to Dayara Bugyal, participate in the Butter Festival, and descend to Gui
Day 4: Trek back to Raithal, then return to your base destination
🎒 Best for: Beginners, families, cultural explorers, nature lovers, and photographers
💖 Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Dayara Bugyal Janmashtami Butter Festival
While most people celebrate Janmashtami with temple visits and devotional bhajans, at Dayara Bugyal, the celebration happens amidst nature, tradition, and joy. It’s a rare chance to see how ancient mountain culture combines with modern trekking – all while honoring Krishna in the most joyful, playful way.
🧳 Book Your Dayara Bugyal Festival Trek with Exploring Wings
At Exploring Wings, we don’t just take you to places – we help you feel the culture. Our Dayara Bugyal Janmashtami Butter Festival package includes:
✅ Transportation from Dehradun/Haridwar
✅ Comfortable homestay or campsite accommodation
✅ All meals during the trek
✅ Experienced local guide and trek leader
✅ Festival participation with local communities
📞 Call/WhatsApp: 9258238707 / 8979783855
🌐 Website: www.exploringwings.com