Provincial Trade Association Almora Organized Refreshments for Devotees
Almora. The historic Maa Nanda Devi Festival, symbol of faith, tradition, and folk culture, witnessed the grand arrival of sacred Kadli trees in the town on Saturday. Amid chants of “Jai Maa Nanda Sunanda,” the rhythmic beats of traditional dhol-damau and the presence of thousands of devotees, the procession carrying the trees from Dulagaon reached Almora, creating a deeply spiritual and festive atmosphere.
Before entering the Nanda Devi temple premises, the procession moved through the main streets of the town. Along the route, the Provincial Trade Association Almora extended a warm welcome to the sacred trees. The association also arranged refreshments for all devotees, including drinking water, cool beverages, and light prasad, ensuring comfort for the large crowds. Residents lit lamps and offered flowers as the trees—considered the embodiment of the goddess—passed through their neighborhoods.
Speaking on the occasion, Trade Association President Ajay Verma expressed gratitude for being able to serve during the divine procession. “It is indeed a blessing to have the opportunity to serve during Maa Nanda’s journey. The Nanda Devi Festival is not just about religious devotion, but also reflects social unity and the preservation of our folk traditions,” he said.
The program saw the presence of several dignitaries and trade leaders, including District President Sushil Shah, General Secretary Bhairav Goswami, Town President Ajay Verma, Town General Secretary Wakul Sah, Senior Vice President Mukesh Joshi, along with Deepak Verma, Manoj Verma, Kanchi Dheeraj Shah, Pankaj Verma, Harshu Verma, Raja Pandey, Kannu Verma, and many others. All emphasized that the Nanda Devi Festival is the cultural identity of Almora and that the Trade Association takes pride in contributing to its success every year.
Devotees explained that the Kadli trees hold immense significance in the festival. Idols of Maa Nanda and Sunanda are sculpted from these trees, and until immersion, they are considered the living presence of the goddess. This makes the arrival of the trees one of the most sacred and eagerly awaited events of the festival.
Throughout the town, a devotional atmosphere prevailed. The beats of dhol-damau, hymns by local folk singers, and the mangal geet sung by women enriched the grandeur of the procession. At every street and crossing, devotees were seen folding their hands in reverence and offering prayers to the divine form of the goddess.
After reaching the temple premises, special rituals and prayers were performed. Devotees continued thronging the temple till late evening to catch a glimpse of the goddess. Despite the huge crowd, discipline and harmony were notable throughout the celebrations.
Recognized as the cultural identity of Almora—the “Cultural Capital of Kumaon”—the Maa Nanda Devi Festival is celebrated not only by locals but also by devotees from distant regions. The arrival of the Kadli trees remains the central highlight of the festival, eagerly awaited by devotees throughout the year.
