12 September, 2010

Nanda Devi Fair

Nanda Devi fair is held in honour of the patron goddess of the people of Uttaranchal. The fair is held all across Uttaranchal including Almora, Nainital, Kot (Dangoli), Ranikhet, Bhowali, Kichha and also in the far flung villages of lohar (like Milam and Martoli) and Pindar valleys (like Wachham and Khati). The Nanda Devi jaat journey is celebrated every year in the villages of Pindar valley while in lohar people come from far and wide to Milam, Danadhar, Suring, and Martoli in order to worship Nanda Devi. In Nainital and Almora thousands of people take part in the procession carrying the dola (or litter) of Nanda Devi.

Origin: According to the locals, the Nanda Devi fair is said to have started in the 16th century during the reign of Kalyan Chand in the Kumaon region. The fair at Nanda Devi is an important one as it has economic implications as well.

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