Ghee Sankranti

Ghee Sankranti, also known as Olgia or Ghiyo Tyar, falls on the first day of the Bhado month (mid-August). It marks the transition of the sun into a new zodiac sign and celebrates the abundance of the monsoon season. On this day, fresh ghee is consumed in large quantities as cattle yield the best milk during this season. Traditional dishes like urad dal ke pakode (fritters), local rotis dripping with ghee, and special sweets are prepared. People apply ghee and flour tilak on their foreheads. In the Kumaon region, it is customary for sons-in-law to receive gifts of ghee from their in-laws. The festival reflects the pastoral traditions of the hill communities.