The Nainital High Court has granted permission for 1,500 people to attend the Dayara Bugyal Butter Festival in Uttarkashi, marking a significant decision to balance cultural celebration with ecological preservation.

The Dayara Tourism Development Committee had initially sought approval for over 2,500 attendees for the festival, scheduled for August 16. However, the court maintained a stricter limit, emphasizing the need to protect the fragile velvet grasslands, known as Bugyals, in the high Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand.

In its ruling, the court stipulated that the 1,500 participants should not enter the Bugyal simultaneously. Instead, they will be organized into groups of 200, with specific arrival and departure times to minimize environmental impact. Additionally, the government was directed to deploy forest department and police personnel to ensure compliance with these regulations. The court also mandated a thorough cleanup of the area post-festival, with photographic evidence to be submitted.

The Dayara Tourism Development Committee had petitioned for an exemption to allow more than 200 participants, arguing that the restrictions impeded the celebration of the traditional Anduri Utsav, or Butter Festival. This festival, celebrated annually during the Sankranti of the Bhadrapad month, is of significant cultural importance to the residents of five nearby villages, featuring the unique tradition of playing Holi with milk and butter.

In 2018, the Nainital High Court had issued directives to preserve the Bugyals, restricting the movement of more than 200 people at a time, banning overnight stays, and prohibiting commercial activities and permanent structures in these areas. Despite these measures, the Butter Festival had continued, albeit under growing uncertainty due to the ecological concerns.

The court`s recent decision comes after it requested a detailed list of expected participants, with the committee reporting an anticipated attendance of around 2,500 people. Ultimately, the court permitted only 1,500 participants, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding the Himalayan ecology.

The first Ekadashi and Dwadashi of Bhadra Paksha, coinciding with the festival dates on August 15-16, will see the festival proceed under these new guidelines, striking a delicate balance between tradition and environmental conservation.

Himalayan Live Bureau

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