Jaunsar region in Uttarakhand to celebrate fishing festival

Mauna Mela ( fishing festival ) is a unique and century old festival celebrated in the Jaunsar region in Uttarakhand. It marks the arrival of the monsoon with a beautiful mix of community bonding, cultural traditions, and eco-friendly practices.

During the Mauna Mela fishing festival, both locals and visitors come together to take part in age-old customs that show their respect for nature and shared heritage. This special festival is known for blending traditional joy with sustainability.

Key highlights of Mauna Mela:

• Community fishing that brings people together and strengthens local bonds

• Traditional dances that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage

• Eco-friendly rituals that promote living in harmony with nature

Join the Jaunsari people in celebrating the spirit of the monsoon. The Mauna Mela is a perfect mix of joy, unity, and care for the environment, making it a truly memorable experience.

People from Jaunsar, as well as from the Yamuna, Algad, and Bhadri valleys, along with residents of Mussoorie and Vikasnagar, take a part in the lively festivities.

The celebration is always  filled with traditional music and dance, where locals dance to the rhythm of folk instruments, adding to the joyful atmosphere. The main highlight is of the festival is  community fishing, which takes often over a four-kilometer stretch across the Maunkot, Algad, and Yamuna Rivers.

The Mauna Mela beautifully reflects the cultural richness and simple lifestyle of the hill communities, making it a  tradition that brings people together in harmony with nature and heritage.

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Interesting Facts

An interesting aspect of the fishing tradition during Mauna Mela is the use of a natural herb called ‘timru’ (Zanthoxylum alatum). Locals sprinkle timru powder into the water, which stuns the fish without harming them. This makes it easier to catch the fish, while ensuring that the water body remains unpolluted.

This method is a great example of the wise use of natural resources in a way that respects the environment. Experts say that such eco-friendly practices should be promoted and preserved, as they offer valuable lessons in sustainable living and traditional ecological knowledge.

The ancient Mauna Mela was recently celebrated in the Jaunsar region in Uttarakhand, marking the arrival of the monsoon with a vibrant mix of community fishing, traditional dance, and eco-friendly rituals. Held in the last week of June, this unique festival is also known as Raj Mauna or Bhind ka Mauna, and it  is believe that started in 1866, during the time when the region was part of the Tehri princely state. Historical accounts mention that even the royal family participated in the fair.

Local youth in Mela

Local youth are now actively promoting Mauna Mela as a potential tourist attraction, and are hoping for government support to help it grow into a larger-scale cultural event. Many aware citizens believe that continuing such ecologically balanced traditions will not only preserve local culture but also contribute to environmental conservation.

At its heart, Mauna Mela is more than just a festival — it’s a celebration of faith, diversity, community spirit, and harmony with nature.

Jaunsar region in Uttarakhand Jaunsar region in Uttarakhand Jaunsar region in Uttarakhand