Culture & Heritage

Hindi is the official language of Saharanpur. In addition to Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and various local dialects are widely spoken, reflecting the region’s rich cultural diversity and composite heritage.

The cultural life of Saharanpur is deeply rooted in traditional Indian customs and festivals. Major Hindu festivals celebrated with great enthusiasm include Holi, Janmashtami, Ram Navami, Diwali (Festival of Lights), and Dussehra. Basant Panchami, marking the onset of spring, is also prominently observed and is traditionally associated with kite flying across the region.

Most Hindu festivals are determined by the positions of the Sun and the Moon and follow the traditional Hindu Vrat and Tyohar (fasts and festivals) calendar. In local parlance, a fast is known as Vrat, while a festival is referred to as Tyohar or Parva. Many festivals involve ritual fasting along with devotional worship, symbolizing spiritual discipline, celebration, and reverence for deities.

Gughal (Gugal) Mela

The historic Gughal Mela is a month-long fair celebrated annually during August–September, beginning on Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha Dashami, shortly after Janmashtami. The fair is traditionally organised along the Ambala Road.

Renowned as a symbol of communal harmony and shared cultural heritage, the Gughal Mela represents the spirit of mutual brotherhood and social unity in Saharanpur. It attracts visitors from across the region and holds significant historical and cultural importance.

Shakumbhari Devi Mela

The Shakumbhari Devi Temple, one of the prominent Shakti Peeths of India, is an ancient Hindu shrine located at Jasmor village, approximately 40 km from Saharanpur. The temple is set amidst scenic hills and a serene natural environment, making it both a spiritual and cultural destination.

The Goddess Shakumbhari is deeply revered, and the temple attracts a large number of devotees from across India and abroad, particularly during Navratri. The famous Shakumbhari Melas are organised twice a year during the Hindu months of Chaitra and Ashwin (Navratri), as well as during Holi.

Traditionally, devotees first visit the nearby Bhura Dev Temple, located about one kilometre before the main shrine, and then proceed for Darshan at the Shakumbhari Devi Temple. During these melas, special arrangements are made to maintain roads and civic facilities for the smooth movement of pilgrims.

During peak occasions, lakhs of devotees visit the temple. Community kitchens (Bhandaras) are organised by devotees, and facilities such as inns, a guest house, and institutions imparting Gurukul-based Sanatan Dharma education are also available.

Bala Sundari Mela, Deoband

The Bala Sundari Mela, held at Deoband, is another important religious and cultural fair in the district, drawing large numbers of devotees and visitors each year.

Cultural Activities

Various cultural programmes, folk performances, and public events are regularly organised at Janmanch and Gandhi Park, Saharanpur, providing a platform for local artists and preserving traditional art forms.

Cuisine

The cuisine of Saharanpur is predominantly vegetarian. Local food habits emphasize the liberal use of milk and milk products, seasonal vegetables, fruits, and traditional recipes, reflecting the agrarian roots and simple lifestyle of the region.