Eight-day festival to feature religious rituals, cultural programmes and performances by artists from Delhi and Mumbai
Almora: The cultural town of Almora is all set to reverberate with chants of Maa Nanda Devi as the historic Nanda Devi Fair will be held from September 16 to 23. The eight-day festival will feature a blend of religious rituals, traditional customs, cultural programmes and entertainment activities.
Various programmes will be organised at the Maa Nanda Devi Temple premises as well as at Adams Ground. The fair committee shared details of the preparations and proposed programmes during a press conference held at the temple premises. A grand procession will also be organised at the beginning of the fair.
According to the committee, special opportunities will be provided to local artists and cultural groups to showcase their talent. Artists from Delhi and Mumbai are also being invited to make the cultural programme more attractive. Their performances are expected to provide visitors with a glimpse of art and culture from different parts of the country.
The traditional invitation of banana plants, known as the Kadali Vriksha tradition, holds special significance in the religious ceremonies of the fair. On September 17, banana plants will be ceremonially invited for the preparation of the idol of Maa Nanda Devi. On September 18, coinciding with Ashtami, the banana plants will be brought to the temple premises. The idol of Maa Nanda Devi will then be prepared from these plants following traditional rituals and customs.
The committee said that the Nanda Devi Fair is not merely a religious event but an important part of Almora’s historical identity, folk traditions and cultural heritage. A large number of devotees, local residents and tourists are expected to attend the festival.
Special emphasis is being placed on improving arrangements and presenting Almora’s rich folk culture on a wider platform. The festival will also provide visitors an opportunity to experience the traditional cultural heritage of Almora and surrounding areas.
On September 23, a grand procession carrying the idol of Maa Nanda Devi will be taken out. The eight-day fair will conclude following the immersion ceremony.
Committee president Manoj Verma, secretary Manoj Sanwal, cultural coordinator Arjun Bisht, patron Anup Sah, Ravi Goyal, Munna Verma, Rajendra Bisht, Jagat Tiwari and others were present at the press conference.
