Almora. The 139th birth anniversary of Kumaon’s last king, Anand Singh Devju, was celebrated with reverence and respect on Tuesday at Shri Jagdamba Dyoḍi Pokhar, Almora. On this occasion, floral tributes were offered at his life-sized statue, remembering his contributions and noble personality.
The program began with Rajpurohit Nagesh Chand Pant, who performed the traditional rituals by applying roli, akshat, and sandalwood paste to the statue, followed by offering flowers. He recalled that King Anand Singh, son of King Bhim Singh Devju of the Kashyap dynasty, was the last ruler of Almora. Known for his service to society, religious harmony, and welfare initiatives, he left a deep imprint on the people’s hearts. He was also a scholar of astrology, a clairvoyant, a physician, a devotee of sages and saints, a worshipper of mother power, and a staunch devotee of Goddess Jagdamba. In addition, he actively participated in the freedom movement and served as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) representing Kumaon from 1921 to 1923.
King Anand Singh Devju played a vital role in inspiring the youth for the establishment of the Kumaon Regiment. He also encouraged farmers to cultivate apples and potatoes, thereby laying the foundation for agricultural development in the region.
Those who paid homage included descendants of the Chand dynasty Someshwar Raj Chandra Singh, Almora’s first Mayor Ajay Verma, former Municipal Chairman Prakash Chand Joshi, Anand Singh Bagadwal from Urban Co-operative Bank, Kailash Gururani, Manoj Joshi, Dinesh Pandey, Hemlata Verma, and many others.
Members of the Rajpurohit family, including Nagesh Pant, Harish Pant, Dinesh Pant, Aditya Pant, Devesh Pant, Chandresh Pant, Kartikeya Pant, Vijaya Pant, Hema Pant, Raksit Pant, and former Jageshwar Temple Manager Jyotsna Pant, also offered floral tributes. The program was coordinated and conducted by Dinesh Pant.
Speakers on the occasion remembered King Anand Singh Devju’s remarkable personality, his social reform efforts, and his spirit of nationalism. The gathering collectively resolved to follow his footsteps and continue serving Kumaon.
