Hilljatra festival of
Kumaon is unique and unusual. Hilljatra is essentially the festival of pastoralists and agriculturalists.This festival is celebrated in some parts of
Pithoragarh district, in the month of August-September.
During the festival, an elaborate masquerade, based on the victory of traditional deities over the demons are enacted complete with the chiming of bells and hymns. The hymns in the local dialects are sung to the accompaniment of loud instrumental music and drums. Hilljatra festival is believed to have had its origin in West Nepal.
Hilljatra festival has connections with the plantation of paddy and other agricultural and pastoral labours of the rainy season, and with the victory of the Champawat ruler.
