Almora. The historic Nanda Devi Fair, symbol of faith, tradition, and folk culture, witnessed a grand religious ceremony on Saturday morning as the sacred Kadli trees were ceremoniously brought from Dulagav to the Nanda Devi temple premises. The entire town echoed with devotional chants of “Jai Maa Nanda-Sunanda” accompanied by the beats of traditional dhol-damau, creating an atmosphere of spirituality and devotion.
Early in the morning, devotees carried the Kadli trees, considered the divine embodiment of Goddess Nanda, in a grand procession from Dulagav. Before reaching the temple, the trees were taken to the Pokhar courtyard, the revered seat of the Chand dynasty, where traditional rituals and worship were performed. Thereafter, the procession moved through the main town streets, receiving a warm welcome at every corner before reaching the temple premises.
All along the route, devotees lit lamps, offered flowers, fruits, and incense, and sang praises of the Goddess. At the temple, special rituals were performed, and devotees were blessed with darshan of the sacred trees.
Several dignitaries and members of the fair committee were present on the occasion. Among them were Municipal Mayor Ajay Verma, Committee Secretary Manoj Sanwal, Co-Convener Ravi Goyal, Administrator Anup Sah, Chief Cultural Convener & Treasurer Harish Bisht, Chief Convener Arjun Bisht Cheema, Fair Convenor Amit Sah Monu, Amarnath Negi, Convener Amarnath Singh Negi, Media In-charge Kapil Malhotra, Councilor Kuldeep Mer, Co-Convener Councilor Abhishek Joshi, Co-Convener Manoj Bhandari Mantu, Dhan Singh Mehta, Jeevan Nath Verma, Co-Convener Rajendra Bisht, Administrator Harish Bhandari, Hitesh Verma, Jagat Tiwari, Ashish Bisht, Daya Krishna Pargai, Naman Bisht, Pankaj Pargai, Aditya Bisht, Councilors Jyoti Sah, Nirmala Joshi, former Municipal President Shobha Joshi, Dhirendra Singh Rawat, Devendra Kumar, Ravi Kannaujia, Prakash Rawat, and many others.
According to the committee officials, the Kadli trees hold a very special significance in the Nanda Devi festival. These trees are used to carve the idols of Maa Nanda-Sunanda, which are later immersed with full rituals. This centuries-old tradition symbolizes the living presence of the Goddess herself.
The procession also showcased the rich cultural heritage of Kumaon. Women devotees sang traditional mangal geet, while folk groups performed devotional songs, adding to the spiritual grandeur. The entire town witnessed an extraordinary gathering of faith and celebration, with thousands joining in the rituals.
The Nanda Devi Festival is regarded as the cultural identity of Almora, the cultural capital of Kumaon. The arrival of the Kadli trees is one of the most awaited and sacred moments of the fair, awaited eagerly by devotees throughout the year.
