Nanda Devi- Timings, History, Photos, and All Information
Nanda Devi Temple is located above the Mall Road in Almora, 500 meters from the Almora Bus Stand. It is one of the most famous and sacred temples in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Nanda Devi, the Chand Dynasty’s patron goddess. She is regarded as the destroyer of evil. The Nanda Devi temple was built in the 11th century in Kumaoni style within the grounds of a Shiva temple. The goddess Nanda’s idol is a massive structure with a stone crown surrounded by a wooden roof. Intricate stone carvings of several life-size statues adorn the surrounding walls.
Nanda Devi temple is well-known not only among Kumauni people but throughout Uttarakhand. There are numerous temples dedicated to goddess Parvati as the daughter of the Himalayas in the Kumaon hills and the hills of far-western Nepal. The temple is best known for the Nanda Devi Fair, which takes place every September. Tourists from all over the country travel to Almora to take part in this 5-day festival, which includes drum beats and energetic dances. A banana trunk was used to create two images of Nanda and Sunanda. According to the Hindu calendar, the fair begins on Nag Panchami, and on Sasthi, priests mark Kadli trees, which are then wrapped in a red and white cloth.
Nanda Devi Mela in Almora
Nanda Devi Mela, one of the states of Uttarakhand’s major festivals, is held in places such as Almora, Nainital, Bageshwar, Bhowali, and Kot, as well as the far-flung villages of Johar. Every year, in the month of September, the Fair (Mela) is held. Almora is the location of the main fair. Nanda Devi Mela, also known as Nanda Devi Mahotsav, has been celebrated for 5 or 7 days since the Chand Kings ruled the region. The fair is usually held around the Nandashtami festival, which is celebrated in parts of the state.
According to legend, Nanda Devi was the family Goddess of the Kumaon region’s rulers, the Chand Kings. King Dyot Chand constructed the Nanda Devi temple in Almora in the 17th century. Thus, the Nanda Devi Fair has been held every year since then to honor the Goddess of Kumaon, Nanda Devi, and to symbolize the region’s economic and cultural prosperity. People take part in the procession that transports Nanda Devi’s dola (palanquin) and her sister, Sunanda.
The fair is usually held around the Nanda Devi temple. In addition to folk songs and dance, a large market selling locally handmade products and village crafts can be found near the temple. Devotees from Uttarakhand’s Kumaon and Garhwal regions, as well as other Indian states, come to participate in the fair. Goddess Nanda Devi is also worshipped in Chamoli District in Garhwal Region during the fair in Kumaon Region.