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Dolkhela in the monsoons, where the main ingredient is not color, but butter — ever heard of such a fancy festival? Not listening is normal, but this is not a current trend. This custom has been followed by the inhabitants of a hilly valley since ancient times. Tourists can also participate in swings if they want.

The diversity of festivals in India is truly astounding. The same festival is celebrated in different parts of the country with different names and different customs. Even familiar festivals sometimes take on a completely new form by mixing with local culture, beliefs and people's way of life. One such festival is Uttarakhand's Anduri festival, also called 'Butter Holi' or 'Butter Holi' by many.

The festival is organized in the green hilly meadows of Dayara Bugyal near Raithal village in Uttarkashi. 'Bugyal' in the local language refers to vast hilly meadows or grass-covered pastures. Every year during summer the villagers of Raithal take their cattle up to Dayara Bugyal. Animals graze on the green grass there for months. Herdsmen tend the animals from makeshift tents during that time.

Hill people believe that cattle become healthier by eating the nutritious grass of Bugyal. As a result, milk production also increases. When the animals return to the village after months of grazing, this festival is organized out of joy.

Lord Krishna is also associated with the festival. Lord Krishna is well known in Indian mythology as a butter thief. So the festival begins with thanksgiving to Lord Krishna and Bugyal Mata for the health of the cattle, abundant production of milk and butter.

This festival is usually held during Bhadra Sankranti, i.e. in the month of August. At the beginning of the festival there is worship and prayer. Villagers also participate in hill folk songs, dances and various traditional events. There are also events like breaking curd pots. But the real fun begins after that. When the puja and ceremony is over, everyone smears butter on each other's faces. In no time the green hilly meadows turned into a Holi festival of a different kind.

Preparations for Anduri Utsav do not start in a day. Houses are decorated with flowers several weeks before the festival. Various decorations are hung in front of the door of the house. However, with the passage of time, there has been a change in the customs of the festival. In the past, apart from butter, cow dung was also a part of the festival. Now, though, that is no longer the case.

Nowadays, the Anduri festival also features various activities for tourists like trekking, camping, overnight camping and cultural events. Tourists also generously participate in this local celebration.