Himalayan O₂ – The Tehri Lake Festival 2026: A 4-Day Adventure Celebrating Culture, Music & More

Uttarakhand is set to welcome adventurers, artists, performers, and families to one of its most anticipated events in 2026—the Himalayan O₂ – The Tehri Lake Festival (HO₂-TTLF). Held from 6th to 9th March 2026 at the picturesque Tehri Lake, this four-day celebration promises to be a fusion of adventure, culture, music, and local heritage. Billed as a festival where “freedom meets the mountains”, it’s an exciting opportunity for both locals and visitors to experience the vibrant energy of mountain life in one of India’s most stunning landscapes.

Organised by the district administration of Tehri Garhwal in collaboration with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), the festival is set to transform the Tehri Lake and its surrounding locations into a vibrant hub of activities. From trekking routes and adventure sports to music performances and art competitions, the festival will showcase the diverse beauty of the Himalayan foothills.

A Festival for All: Adventure, Culture, and Creativity in the Himalayas

The Himalayan O₂ Festival invites a diverse audience—from students and trekkers to families and cultural enthusiasts—to celebrate the spirit of freedom in the mountains. Mrs. Nitika Khandelwal (IAS), District Magistrate of Tehri Garhwal, highlighted that this year’s festival won’t be limited to Tehri Lake alone. “Activities will also take place at the district’s most famous tourist destinations, so that popular spots can become focal points of tourism activity,” she said. This extended celebration is designed to highlight Tehri Garhwal’s natural and cultural wealth, creating opportunities for local businesses and tourism infrastructure to thrive.

The festival’s tagline, “Breathe the Himalayas”, perfectly captures the essence of the event, which seeks to immerse visitors in the natural beauty, adventurous spirit, and cultural richness of the region. Local youth will be trained as guides to lead trekkers on eight specially designed trekking routes, enabling visitors to explore the breathtaking landscapes while supporting sustainable tourism in the region.

Exciting Competitions and Performances

One of the main attractions of the Himalayan O₂ Festival is the diverse range of competitions and performances, designed to bring out the best of both local talent and international participants. These include:

• Photography Competition: Participants will have the chance to capture the essence of Tehri—from its majestic landscapes to its vibrant local culture. Entries will be submitted via a photo geo-tagging system on the festival’s official website.
• Master Chef Tehri: A culinary showcase celebrating the unique flavours of the Himalayas, inviting both seasoned chefs and passionate amateurs to demonstrate their skills in regional cooking.
• Painting Contest: Artists will be invited to paint the beauty and stories of the Himalayan region, with works displayed at the Bauradi Stadium.
• River Rafting Competition: Held on the serene Tehri area in Muni ki Reti, this water adventure competition will attract participants from across the region.
• Fashion Shows & Pageants: With the Mr & Miss Tehri pageant and traditional attire showcases, the festival will also celebrate the region’s unique styles and traditions.
• Rap & Music Battles: These dynamic stages will give rising performers a chance to showcase their skills, with music filling the air and keeping the energy high.
• Adventure Sports: Competitions will include trekking, paragliding, mountain biking, and a kite festival—offering a range of exhilarating experiences for those seeking adventure.
• Cultural & Awareness Programs: As part of the festival’s commitment to environmental conservation, attendees will be invited to participate in programs under the “Save Ganga” theme, alongside heritage showcases and devotional events like the Ganga Aarti.
• Live Music & Performances: Local and emerging artists will take to the stage throughout the festival, adding a dynamic soundtrack to the breathtaking mountain experience.

A Platform for Local Talent and Growth

The Himalayan O₂ Festival is not just a celebration of the region’s natural beauty—it is also an important platform for showcasing local talent and supporting the growth of Tehri Garhwal’s tourism. By partnering with over 100 hotels across the district, the festival aims to boost the local economy by providing accommodation and dedicated rooms for tourists and participants during the event.

The festival will not only spotlight the talent of local youth but also create opportunities for cultural exchange between visitors and residents, with an emphasis on preserving and promoting the region’s unique heritage.

Prizes and Recognition

The festival will offer exciting cash prizes and special experiences for the top performers across various competitions. Winners in categories like photography, painting, and adventure sports will receive cash awards of up to ₹1,00,000, along with guided tours of the iconic Tehri Dam, commemorative certificates, and festival honours. This recognition serves to inspire participants and celebrate the diversity of talent that exists within and outside the region.

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