Nanda Devi Fair

Uttarakhand has many temples, which are the venues of many fairs held when the festivals are celebrated. For example, people of the state celebrate the Nanda Devi Fair in remembrance of Nanda and Sunanda’s goddesses. It is held in many places in Uttarakhand like Almora, Nainital, Nauti, Dandi Dara, Munsyari, Ranikhet, Bhowali, and Kichha. Besides, it is also celebrated in the small sleepy hamlets of Lohar (like Milam and Martoli) and Pindar valleys (like Wachham and Khati). However, the fairs at Almora and Roopkund draw the largest number of people.

History of the Nanda Devi Fair in Uttarakhand

This cultural fair has immense religious and cultural significance. It started way back in the 16th century. According to legend, the fair was initiated by Raja Kalyan Chand. The term Nanda means prosperity and well-being. If the Nanda Devi Mela is held with a great deal of pomp and grandeur, it symbolizes the economic and cultural prosperity of the region. People participate in the procession, which carries the dola (litter) of Nanda Devi. The goddess is devotedly worshiped in the temple.

How is Nanda Devi Fair Celebrated?

The place bubbles with a lot of activity and appears to have gained a fresh lease of life at the fair time. If you visit the Nanda Devi Fair, you can get an insight into the material and cultural prosperity of the region. Many hand-made products made by the village artisans are bought for sale. You can also witness some superb performances by the local artists at all these fairs. It is a splendid chance to uphold their folk traditions and put up a song and dance program. Small school children and young college students also participate in the fair and display their talents during the functions. The varied sights and sounds create a very joyous ambiance.

Time for celebrating the Nanda Devi Fair

Nanda devi fair is generally held in the month of September every year.