Nanda Devi Fair

The three week long Nandadevi Rajjaat is one of the world famous festival of Uttaranchal. People from entire Garhwal-Kumaon as well as other parts of India and the world participate in Nandadevi Raj Jat Yatra.

Goddess Nanda Devi is worshipped at dozens of places in Kumaon, but the region around Mt. Nanda Devi and its sanctuary, which falls in the districts of Pithoragarh, Almora and Chamoli, is the prime area related to Nanda Devi. In Chamoli Nanda Devi Rajjaat is organized once in 12 years. The jaat starts from Nauti village near Karnprayag and goes upto the heights of Roopkund and Haemkund with a four horned sheep. After the havan-yagna is over, the sheep is freed with decorated ornaments, food and clothings and the other offerings are dischared. People also celebrate the annual Nanda jaat.

Though in the Johar region there is no tradition of Nanda Rajjaat but the worship, dance and the ritual of collecting Brahmkamals (it is called Kaul Kamphu) is part of Nanda festivals.

Month & Venue : The Nanda Devi Fair is usually held in the month of late August or early September depending upon the date of the lunar calendar. It is held in many places in Uttaranchal like Almora, Nainital, Nauti, Dandidhara, Munsiyari, Ranikhet, Bhowali and Kichha. The tiny sluggish settlement of Lohar (like Milam and Martoli) and Pindar valleys (like Wachham and Khati) are also not far behind. In Chamoli however the fair is held once in twelve years, like the Maha Kumbh Mela.

The Fair
The fair was initiated by King Kalyan Chand of Chand Dynasty of Garhwal in the 16th century to showcase the economic and cultural prosperity of different regions. It also served as a competition to better each other every year. People take part in the parade which carries the dola (litter) of Goddess Nanda Devi. The yatra continues for three long weeks and people from different parts are seen to participate in it. The yatra begins from Nauti village near Karna Prayag and goes up to the heights of RoopKund and Hemkund with a four-horned sheep. A lot of hand-made goods made by the rural community craftsmen are brought for sale. One can also observe some outstanding recitals by the local artistes at these fairs.