The Doon valley has always had its own series of celebrations of various seasons. Many years ago, Doon and Mussoorie used to have very special annual events like “Summer Queen”, “May Queen” and even “Sweater Queen”. Old Doonites and people of Mussoorie may well recall these wonderful events which caused a great excitement among the female population of the two cities. Even tourists participated in these contests. Then, there were the Diwali Melas and the flowers shows at the Rangers’ College Grounds near Saint Thomas College not to metion the annual dog show held there. Some of these events are still being held on a larger scale. However, I have not heard of the famous Sweater Queen contest for long! The Christmas carnival was also held in those days.

Now, Doon seems to have come of age and acquiring a name for itself through the many literature festivals that have started here over the last five years or so. There are always some celebrations going on in the valley and in Mussoorie that add to the attractions for visitors. It is now February and all are looking forward to the Vasantotsav (Colours of Spring) that has been held every year at the Raj Bhawan in Dehradun for several years now.

It attracts locals and tourists alike and showcases the tremendous variety of flowers that grow in the valley along with cultural/folk events. It is an extravaganza of colour and beauty and lasts two days. It is now in the offing.

For book lovers and writers, Doon has laid out a wonderful treat of events that engage their time and attention. The World Integrity Centre (WIC) organises its literature fest in April besides many events related to book readings and poetry recitation. It invites authors from other cities to interact with Doonites. Then comes in next the Dehradun Literature Festival which proved to be a grand success last year with renowned writer Ruskin Bond in conversation with Sadhguru as its opening session.

More than half of Dehradun seemed to be present at that session! The third edition of this festival is being eagerly awaited by people of the city. A lot of celebrities are part of this fest every year. It is a delightful forum attended by a huge audience.

Valley of Words International Festival of Literature and Arts has had two editions so far–one in November 2017 and the other in November 2018. Its next edition is scheduled for November 19. This festival, known popularly as VOW, has created magic in the valley with its focus on literature and scholarship from different languages and its thought-provoking sessions that are nearly 75 in number over a period of three days.

It has given a great boost to writers of this region besides giving the people of the valley a forum to meet famous writers and artists from across India and the world and interact with them.

Indeed, VOW is now a word that one hears often in conversations of book lovers and authors.These events have all created an atmosphere in the valley which inspires the love for the written word. The Booknerds have been sustaining this atmosphere throughout the year for more than three years by organising weekly events at various venues (specially cafeterias) which include book readings, book launches and discussions on various genres of literature. A great contribution, indeed!

For Hindi and Garhwali/ Kumaoni literature, Samay Sakshay’s festival in December is also becoming a well-appreciated winter event in Dehradun. Sanskrit and Hindi scholars of great repute attend this fest. It is the last one held every year.

Although many kinds of celebrations are held throughout the year, the stress is now upon literary festivals and thus, one is happy to say that Dehradun, which has always been known for the many intellectuals and writers who reside here, is finally establishing itself as one of the literary hubs in the country. It has always been known as the “Mecca” for school education. It is now well on its way to becoming a destination for the celebration of art and literature which will be greatly sought by writers, scholars, musicians, painters, poets and all who aim to live the higher life in pursuance of creativity.

The name of Dehradun will soon be enough to make people think of its meaningful literary festivals which create strong platforms for the expression of ideas, thoughts and imagination.

Several hours and days of beauty and creativity await us as the countdown to these events begins for the year. We have come a long way from the “Sweater Queen”contests!