Fairs and festivals of Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, enrich the cultural heritage of the district in a diverse manner. A plethora of festivals pertaining to different faiths are celebrated with great religious fervour and enthusiasm. Cultural programs also accompany these festivals which add to the spirit of celebrations. A number of fairs also form the major attractions of the district. Their grandeur is worth witnessing and allures people from distant places to participate in these vibrant traditions of the district.

Festivals of Rudraprayag District
Rudraprayag district hosts the celebration of several festivals accompanied with unique customs and rituals. They are the representatives of the rich cultural heritage of the state.

Ramnavami
Ramnavami is observed on the ninth day of bright half of Chaitra month in Hindu calendar. It is the celebration of the birthday of Lord Rama. Fast is observed throughout the day by the followers and devotees of Lord Rama. Social gatherings are also arranged where Ramayana is read and recited.

Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the last day of Sravana month and is mainly associated with the Brahmanas. Rakshasutra or the thread of protection, commonly known as Rakhi, is tied on the wrist of brothers by the sisters. This symbolizes the protection that she expects to receive from her brother. On this occasion, fairs are organized in Nandprayag, Karnaprayag and Kedarnath.

Nagpanchmi
Nagpanchmi is another significant festival of the district, observed on the fifth day of bright half of Sravana month. It is celebrated to please the serpent gods or Nagas. On wooden floors, images of snakes are drawn which are then worshipped with offerings of milk, rice and flowers.

Janmashtami
Janmashtami is the celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna. It is observed on the eighth day of dark half of Bhadra month. During this festival, the devotees fast throughout the day which is broken at the midnight with a visit at temples. The shrines and cradles are beautifully embellished and illuminated at homes and temples to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. Devotional songs are also performed during the celebrations.

Diwali
Diwali is also celebrated in the district with great fervour on the last day of dark half of Kartika month. Houses are beautifully illuminated and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi is performed. The celebrations usually commence two days before, from Dhanteras when people purchase metal utensils followed by Naraka Chaturdashi with lightening of small earthen lamps. `Mela nritya`, which is a kind of folk dance, is also performed in the district on Diwali.

Dussehra
Dussehra is celebrated to symbolize the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and Navaratri is celebrated in the preceding nine days. Ramlila celebrations can be witnessed in different parts of the district especially at Kalimath.

Shivaratri
Shivaratri is celebrated in the honour of Lord Shiva. Fasting is done by the devotees throughout the day and the deity is worshipped at night. Shiva temples are elaborately decorated and water and flowers are offered to the images of the deity along with devotional songs. Grand fairs are held in the district especially at places like Nagnath, Gopeshwar, Bairaskund and Dewal.

Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is observed in the month of January when people take holy bath in the Alaknanda River. Fairs are also organized at Nandprayag and Karnprayag.

Holi
Holi is the festival of colours observed on the full moon day of Phalguna month. The festival is marked by gaiety and merriment among the people.

Fairs of Rudraprayag District
Important fairs of Rudraprayag district include Bishwat Sankranti at different regions, Gaucher Mela at Gaucher, Nautha at Adbadri, Nanda Devi at Bedni, Naumi at Hariyali, Nagnath at Dewar Walla and Dattatreya Pooranmasi at Ansuya temple.