Almora | Correspondent
The preparations for the grand and traditional Nanda-Sunanda Festival—an integral part of Almora’s historical, spiritual, and cultural heritage—are now officially underway. The Shri Nanda Devi Temple Committee has formally commenced the arrangements for the festival. On Saturday, a special team from the committee visited Dulagaon Railakot to select the sacred banana trees (Kadali Vriksha) required for the making of the idols of Goddess Nanda and Sunanda.
Senior temple committee members including Administrator Anup Sah, Municipal Councilors Arjun Bisht, Amit Sah Monu, Abhishek Joshi, and Gram Panchayat Member Kapil Malhotra, along with other members, participated in the visit. In accordance with long-standing tradition, the selection of the worship-worthy banana trunks was conducted in the presence of local villagers. Among those present were Dhirendra Singh Rawat, Hemendra Singh Rawat, Kalyan Singh Rawat, Gopal Singh, Bhagwan Singh, Dhan Singh, and Yogesh Singh, along with a large number of community members.
The temple committee emphasized that the idols of Goddess Nanda and Sunanda are traditionally crafted from the sacred banana trunks—a custom deeply rooted in the spiritual practice of the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra, considered a highly auspicious ritual. Every year, the committee selects these trees with the support of the local population and brings them to the temple following religious rites and rituals.
Administrator Anup Sah informed that this year, the festival is expected to be more magnificent and spiritually enriching than ever before. To enhance the experience of devotees, several arrangements are being made, including organized seating, distribution of prasad, religious ceremonies, and a series of cultural performances.
The enthusiasm and cooperation of the local community form the soul of this event. Their active participation continues to transform this celebration into a people’s movement. In the coming days, the construction of the idols of Goddess Nanda and Sunanda will begin in accordance with traditional religious practices.
This annual festival not only serves as a focal point of religious devotion but also stands as a vibrant representation of folk culture, age-old traditions, and communal unity.
