One of the major festivals in Kumaon region of the state Uttarakhand, Nanda Devi Mela is organized in places like Almora, Nainital, Bageshwar, Bhowali, and Kot along with the far-flung villages of Johar. The Fair (Mela) is organized in the month of September every year. Almora is the place where the main fair is held. Nanda Devi Mela, also known as Nanda Devi Mahotsav has been celebrated since the Chand Kings ruled the place with its duration being either 5 days or 7 days. The fair usually takes place around the festival of Nandashtami, which is observed in parts of the state.
As per the legend, Nanda Devi was the family Goddess of the Chand Kings, rulers of the Kumaon region. In the 17th century, King Dyot Chand built the temple of Nanda Devi in Almora. Thus, from then onwards, the Nanda Devi Fair is organized every year to worship the Goddess of Kumaon, Nanda Devi and it symbolizes the economic and cultural prosperity of the region. People participate in the procession which carries the dola (palanquin) of Nanda Devi and her sister, Sunanda. The fair is usually held around the temple of Nanda Devi. Along with the folk songs and dance, a huge market where the locally handmade products and village crafts are sold can be seen near the temple. Devotees from both Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand as well as other states of India come here to participate in the fair. During the fair in Kumaon Region, Goddess Nanda Devi is also worshipped in Chamoli District in Garhwal Region.
Highlights:
- Nanda Devi Fair is organized for 5 or 7 days in Chamoli, Nauti, Dandidhara, Mussoorie, Ranikhet, Kichha, Nainital, Almora, Bageshwar, Bhowali, Kot.
- The fair is held near the Nanda Devi Temple.
- In the fair, one can witness the folk culture of Kumaon region along with the dance and songs.
- The festival starts from the early morning and continues until 9 pm.
- The whole festival is meant to pay tribute to the Goddess Nanda Devi.
- Small schools and colleges students also perform in the festival to showcase their talent. Moreover, one can also see the performance of the local artists.
- On the final day of the fair, the dola (palanquin) of Nanda and Sunanda Devi is carried out to be submerged in the water by the devotees.
