Organised by the district administration of Tehri Garhwal in collaboration with Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) this is part of Gham Tapo Tourism (Basking in the Sunshine Tourism), a winter tourism initiative in Uttarakhand, India, launched by Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Billed as a celebration where ‘freedom meets the mountains,’ HO₂–TTLF is a four-day experiential festival that brings together adventurers, creators, performers, and families to embrace the spirit of ‘Freedom in the Mountains’ against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayan foothills. The event will feature electrifying performances by acclaimed acts such as Pandavaas and Amit Trivedi, adding a powerful musical dimension to the festivities.
Nitika Khandelwal (IAS), district Magistrate Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, said, “This year, the four-day Tehri Lake Festival will not be limited to just Tehri Lake, but activities will also be organised at main tourist destinations of the district, so that famous tourist spots can become centres of tourist activities. We have partnered with over 100 Hotels across the district who will provide support and accommodation with dedicated rooms during the festival dates.”
With the tagline ‘Breathe the Himalayas’, the festival will see eight trekking routes in the region, where local youth will be trained as guides to accompany tourists on the trekking routes. “We want people to celebrate the vibrant energy of mountain life, challenge participants to explore new experiences, and showcase the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage,” she further continued.
“Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s has been focusing on transforming the state into a year-round destination and initiatives like Himalayan O₂ – The Tehri Lake Festival 2026 and ‘Winter Char Dham,’ adventure activities, and eco-tourism fall as part of this strategy” further continued Khandelwal.
The festival invites everyone — from students and adventurers to families and cultural aficionados — to come, compete, perform, explore, and create memories amidst the Himalayan foothills.
Himalayan O₂ – The Tehri Lake Festival highlights & competitions include
- Photography Competition: Participants capture the spirit of Tehri — from landscapes and culture to people and local life — with entries accepted via photo geo-tag upload on the official festival site.
- Master Chef Tehri: A culinary showcase celebrating regional flavours and innovative cooking.
- Painting Contest: Held at Bauradi Stadium, inviting artists to paint the beauty and stories of the Himalayan region.
- River Rafting Competition: On the waters of the Tehri area in Muni ki reti.
- Fashion Shows & Pageants: Including Mr & Miss Tehri and traditional attire showcases.
- Rap & Music Battles: Vibrant stages for emerging performers.
- Adventure Sports: Trekking, paragliding, mountain biking, and kite festival events.
- Cultural & Awareness Programs: ‘Save Ganga’ theme initiatives, heritage showcases, and devotional events like Ganga Aarti, traditions, food stalls, and community showcases give attendees a deep dive into the region’s heritage.
- Live Music & Performances: Local and emerging artists take the stage throughout the festival, providing a dynamic soundtrack to the mountain experience.
Interested participants can register in competitive events, workshops, and experiences designed to elevate local talent and spotlight the region’s unique spirit.
To honour exceptional talent and achievement, top performers in the competitions will receive cash awards of Twenty Lakh (₹25,00,000/-) and special experiences including guided tours of the iconic Tehri Dam, commemorative certificates, and festival honours.
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