Nanda Devi Mahotsav, Almora

Nanda Devi Mahotsav, also called Nanda Devi Mela, is the biggest cultural fair of Almora in Kumaon. It happens every year around Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami, also known as Nandashtami. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Nanda and Sunanda, who are worshipped as Kul-Devis of Kumaon. The heart of this celebration is the Nanda Devi Temple in Almora town. The festival normally runs for five to seven days. During this time rituals, fairs, folk music, jagar singing and processions take place. Thousands of devotees and tourists join to take blessings of the Goddess.

Location

The fair is held in and around the Nanda Devi Temple, located in the main bazaar of Almora. The temple was built during the Chand dynasty and still remains the centre of devotion in the town. Almora is a hill town in Kumaon, situated at around 1600 metres. It is well connected by road to Haldwani, Kathgodam, Nainital, Ranikhet and Pithoragarh.

History and Significance

Goddess Nanda is considered a form of Parvati and the family goddess of the Chand rulers of Kumaon. The tradition of this fair started during the rule of the Chand kings and has been celebrated continuously for more than 400 years. The belief is that during this time Nanda Devi symbolically comes to her maternal home, which is why locals prepare, decorate and sing in her honour.

A very unique ritual of this mela is the making of idols of Nanda and Sunanda from banana tree trunks. This custom is followed every year and holds special importance in Kumaoni culture.

Rituals and Highlights

• • Pran-pratishtha of idols: Idols of Nanda and Sunanda are carved from banana trunks and placed in the temple courtyard. Devotees offer flowers, grains, and prasad.

  • Jagar and folk performances: Traditional jagariya sing in praise of the Goddess. Drums and local instruments make the atmosphere spiritual and festive.

  • The Dola procession: On the main day, the palanquins of Nanda and Sunanda are taken out in procession across the town. People chant loudly in devotion and the whole bazaar glows with lights.

  • Local fair and bazaar: Many stalls are set up which sell local handicrafts, woollens, puja items and street food. Cultural programs and stage shows also take place in the evenings.

Difference from Nanda Devi Raj Jat

Many people confuse Nanda Devi Mahotsav with Nanda Devi Raj Jat, but both are very different.

• • Frequency and scale: The Almora Mahotsav is organised every year for 5–7 days in the town. The Nanda Devi Raj Jat happens once in 12 years and continues for around 20–22 days.

  • Nature of events: Almora Mahotsav is about rituals in the temple, banana-trunk idols, local mela and the town procession. Raj Jat is a long mountain pilgrimage starting from Nauti village and ending at Homkund, where even the chausingya (four-horned) ram is released.

  • Geography: The Mahotsav is based in Almora town of Kumaon, while the Raj Jat happens in Chamoli district of Garhwal, passing through Bedni Bugyal, Roopkund area and Homkund.

Duration and Flow

The festival usually runs for five days, sometimes extending up to seven depending on programs. The main day is always Nandashtami, when the dola is carried out. The earlier days are for idol-making, rituals, folk music and cultural programs.

2024 Dates

In 2024, Nandashtami fell on 11 September. The ashtami tithi started on the night of 10 September and ended on the night of 11 September. The main rituals and processions in Almora were held in the week of 8 to 15 September 2024. Some Kumaon towns like Nainital celebrated the mela earlier, but Almora’s fair was centred around this date.

Fair Details – What to Expect

• • Idols of Nanda and Sunanda made from banana trunks.

  • Aarti, jagar, bhajan, and folk dances in the temple courtyard.

  • Big procession of the dola on the main day.

  • Stalls of local crafts, copperware, woollens, puja items and tasty local food.

  • Stage programs and cultural nights in the town bazaar.

How to Reach Almora

• • The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, around 90 km away. From Kathgodam, regular buses and shared taxis go to Almora.

  • Nearest airport is Pantnagar, about 125 km away. From there, road travel is required.

  • Almora is well connected by road with Haldwani, Nainital, Ranikhet and Pithoragarh.

  • The Nanda Devi Temple is in the main bazaar of Almora, where the mela is organised.

Travel Tips

• • Reach Almora at least a day before Nandashtami to see idol-making and rituals.

  • Book your stay near the bazaar area for easy access to the temple and fair.

  • Carry warm clothes as nights in September are cool in the hills.

  • Respect local customs during the dola procession and do not block the route.

  • Traffic becomes heavy, so better to park outside and walk to the bazaar.

  • Keep some cash as smaller stalls may not accept digital payments.

Cultural Importance

The Mahotsav is not just a religious event but also a cultural identity of Kumaon. It keeps alive the local traditions of jagar singing, folk dances, idol-making, and community gatherings. Most importantly, it strengthens the bond between people and their goddess Nanda–Sunanda, who are considered the protectors of the region.

FAQs

1. When is Nanda Devi Mahotsav celebrated?
It is celebrated every year around Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami, according to the Hindu calendar.

2. What were the dates in 2024?
In 2024, Nandashtami was on 11 September. The fair and rituals in Almora were held in the week of 8 to 15 September.

3. What is special about Almora’s festival?
The idols of Nanda and Sunanda are made from banana trunks, and a grand procession of the dola takes place through the town.

4. Is it same as Nanda Devi Raj Jat?
No, Raj Jat is a 12-year pilgrimage in Garhwal covering 280 km on foot. Almora Mahotsav is an annual cultural and religious fair in Kumaon.

5. Which other towns celebrate this festival?
Nainital, Bhowali, Johar region and many other Kumaon towns celebrate Nanda Devi melas, but Almora’s Mahotsav is considered the most prominent.

Conclusion

Nanda Devi Mahotsav of Almora is more than just a fair. It is a living tradition that connects Kumaon people with their goddess, their history, and their culture. The sound of jagar songs, the sight of banana trunk idols, the energy of the dola procession, and the crowded bazaar full of colours make it a festival worth experiencing at least once. For locals, it is devotion; for visitors, it is a window into the soul of Kumaon. If you want to see how faith and culture come together in the Himalaya, then Nanda Devi Mahotsav in Almora is the perfect time to visit.

– Mohit Banagari