• Offices: Dehradun, Uttarakhand | Dwarka Sector-1, New Delhi
  • Nanda Devi Fair Festival

    The Nanda Devi Fair in Uttarakhand celebrates the goddess Nanda Devi with vibrant procession, rituals, folk dances, & local cuisine, reflecting rich traditions.



The Nanda Devi Fair is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich festivals of Uttarakhand, India. This grand event is held in honor of Nanda Devi, the goddess of the mountains and the patron deity of the people of the Kumaon and Garhwal regions. The festival reflects the deep spiritual connection the people of Uttarakhand have with their natural surroundings and the goddess who symbolizes both prosperity and protection. It is celebrated with fervor, grandeur, and devotion, bringing together people from various walks of life to witness and participate in the unique customs and rituals that mark the occasion.

History of Nanda Devi Fair:

The origins of the Nanda Devi Fair are deeply rooted in the region's ancient traditions and beliefs. Nanda Devi is revered as the goddess who protects the people of the Kumaon region, ensuring the prosperity and welfare of the land. According to local legends, Nanda Devi is believed to be the sister of Lord Shiva and the daughter of the Himalayas. She is also considered the incarnation of Parvati, Shiva's consort.

The fair itself has ancient roots and is said to have been celebrated for centuries. It is an expression of devotion to Nanda Devi, and over time, it has evolved into a grand cultural event that reflects the religious, social, and artistic heritage of the region. The fair is not just a religious event but also a way for the people to celebrate their connection with nature, the mountains, and the land.

The Nanda Devi Fair was initially celebrated by the local people, primarily the Kumaonis, but over time, it has garnered attention from visitors across India and the world. It is a celebration that highlights the diversity of the region’s culture, with colorful processions, musical performances, and traditional dances. In modern times, the fair has become an iconic symbol of Uttarakhand's cultural identity.

Where the Festival is Celebrated:

The Nanda Devi Fair takes place in various locations in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, but the primary celebration is held in the town of Almora. Almora is situated in the Kumaon hills, offering a scenic backdrop of the Himalayas. The town holds great significance for the people of the region as it is home to several temples dedicated to Nanda Devi, and it is where the fair reaches its peak.

In addition to Almora, other places like Nanda Devi Temple in the town of Nandaprayag and the temples in the villages surrounding Almora also witness celebrations during the fair. The fair is especially significant for the residents of these regions, as the goddess is said to protect their villages and ensure their prosperity.

The procession of Nanda Devi also travels through nearby villages, which adds a sense of participation and communal bonding. The fair is a reflection of the interconnectedness of the communities, with people coming together in devotion, celebration, and collective joy.

When the Festival Occurs:

The Nanda Devi Fair is held every year in the months of August or September, typically during the bright full moon of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. The festival spans several days, but the main celebration generally takes place on the second day of the fair, when the procession of Nanda Devi is held. The full moon is considered an auspicious time for religious celebrations in Hinduism, and it is believed that the goddess descends to bless her devotees during this period.

The festival often coincides with other regional fairs and religious events in the area, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere throughout the Kumaon region. While the fair is an annual event, it is celebrated with particular grandeur every 12 years, during which a larger procession is organized, and people from various places across India come to participate in the grand rituals.

Festival Attractions:

The Nanda Devi Fair is a spectacle of devotion, tradition, and culture. Some of the major attractions of the festival are outlined below:

  • Procession of Nanda Devi: The centerpiece of the festival is the grand procession, where a palanquin carrying the idol of Nanda Devi is taken through the streets of Almora and surrounding villages. This procession is led by priests, accompanied by hundreds of devotees singing devotional songs and playing traditional instruments. The procession winds its way through the streets, with people lining up to get a glimpse of the goddess, offer their prayers, and seek blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness.

  • Choreographed Folk Dances and Music: The fair is a platform for displaying the rich folk culture of the Kumaon region. Traditional dances like the Chholiya dance and the Raas dance are performed by local artists and villagers. These dances are filled with high-energy movements, rhythmic clapping, and drum beats, creating a celebratory ambiance. The music includes the sounds of local instruments like the dhol, nagada, shehnai, and damau, which add to the cultural vibrancy of the festival.

  • Religious Rituals and Pujas: The Nanda Devi Fair is deeply spiritual, with a variety of religious rituals and ceremonies taking place throughout the event. Priests and spiritual leaders perform pujas (ritualistic prayers) at the temples, seeking blessings from the goddess for the well-being of the people. The rituals often involve offerings of flowers, fruits, and sacred grains. Devotees, dressed in traditional attire, participate in the prayers and rituals with great reverence.

  • Local Handicrafts and Cuisine: The Nanda Devi Fair is also an opportunity to experience the local culture through handicrafts, traditional attire, and food. Local artisans display their handicrafts, including woolen shawls, jewelry, and wooden carvings. The fair also serves as a platform for the local culinary traditions, with stalls offering Kumaoni dishes such as aaloo ke gutke, pahaadi mutton, bhat ki churkani, and the famous kafuli (a spinach-based dish). The aroma of local food fills the air, enticing both locals and tourists to indulge in the region’s culinary delights.

  • Kumaoni Folk Performances: Apart from the traditional dances, the fair also features Kumaoni folk music performances. Folk singers, or bhajans, perform songs of devotion dedicated to Nanda Devi, adding an emotional and spiritual dimension to the celebration. The songs often tell stories of the goddess’s blessings and the historical events surrounding the fair.

  • Pilgrimage and Religious Significance: The fair attracts pilgrims from various parts of Uttarakhand and beyond, who come to offer their prayers and seek divine blessings. The temples, including the Nanda Devi Temple in Almora, become focal points of the festivities. Pilgrims undertake a journey to these temples, reflecting the religious significance of the fair.

  • Involvement of Local Villages: One of the unique aspects of the Nanda Devi Fair is the involvement of the local villages, which take part in the procession by carrying the palanquin of the goddess. This creates a strong sense of unity among the people, as they come together from different areas to pay homage to the goddess and celebrate the prosperity of their land.

In conclusion, The Nanda Devi Fair in Uttarakhand is not just a religious event; it is a celebration of culture, tradition, and community. It holds immense significance for the people of Uttarakhand, particularly those from the Kumaon region, as it reinforces their bond with the land, the mountains, and their goddess. The fair is a beautiful blend of spirituality and festivity, marked by vibrant processions, music, dance, and rituals. It is an essential part of the cultural fabric of Uttarakhand and continues to attract both devotees and tourists, making it a must-visit event for anyone interested in experiencing the rich heritage and traditions of the region.