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About Nanda Devi Mela
Nanda devi mela is one of the most significant cultural events in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is celebrated in honour of Goddess Nanda Devi and especially from towns like Almora, Nainital, Bageshwar and Milam come to pay respect to the protector and patron deity of Kumaon.
Historical Background
The origin of the Nanda Devi Mela dates back over 400 years to the time of the Chand rulers , who promoted the worship of Nanda Devi as the royal goddess of their kingdom. King Baj Bahadur Chand is credited with institutionalising the festival in Almora in the 17th century .
The mela is believed to date back over 400 years, during the rule of the Chand dynasty. King Baj Bahadur Chand is credited with institutionalising the festival in Almora in the 17th century. A royal goddess of the kingdom is revered as a daughter of the Himalayas and is believed to return to her maternal home during the mela.
It is believed that by honouring her through this mela, the goddess blesses the region with prosperity, health, and protection from natural calamities.
The mela was designed to bring people together in devotion while also functioning as a platform for trade, art, and cultural exchange. Over the centuries, it evolved into an annual expression of Kumaoni identity.
Timing
– The Nanda Devi Mela is held annually in the first fortnight of September , during the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (Bhado).
– It typically lasts for 5 to 7 days , with different rituals on each day.
Rituals and Celebrations
1. Katha and Puja : Priests conduct Vedic rituals and recite stories about Nanda Devi’s birth and spiritual importance.
2. Procession of the Deity (Doli Yatra): The idol of Nanda Devi is placed in a palanquin (doli) and taken through the streets accompanied by traditional drumming , folk dancing , and chanting .
3. Installation of Nanda and Sunanda Idols : Beautifully decorated wooden or clay idols of Nanda Devi and her sister Sunanda are installed and worshipped.
4. Offerings : Devotees offer new clothes, sweets, coconuts, and garlands to the goddess.
5. Immersion Ceremony : On the final day, the idols are immersed in a river or kund, symbolising her return to her divine abode.
Cultural Events and Fair
The mela becomes a hub for folk music, Kumaoni dance performances (like Chholiya), and local handicrafts. It’s an important economic event, particularly for rural communities. Artisans and traders from nearby villages set up stalls selling woolens, metalware, jewelry, herbs , and locally grown produce
Key Locations for the Mela
– Almora – The biggest celebration is held near the Nanda Devi Temple in Lal Bazaar.
– Nainital – Processions and rituals take place near the Nanda Devi temple in the town.
– Bageshwar – Known for its intense spiritual ambiance.
– Milam and Martoli – These remote villages host the traditional forms of the mela closer to Nanda Devi’s mythical origins.
Social and Cultural Impact
The Nanda Devi Mela strengthens:
– Community bonding through shared rituals.
– Preservation of folk traditions .
– A sense of identity among Kumaonis in both urban and rural regions.
– Tourism and local economy , as thousands of people visit Almora and other towns during this time.