Almora. The historic Maa Nanda Devi Fair, a symbol of faith and cultural heritage, witnessed a spectacular women’s Jhoda dance presentation and competition on Friday. Amid chants of Nanda-Sunanda and the resonating beats of traditional instruments, women dressed in colorful attire swayed gracefully to the rhythms of the folk Jhoda, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere from Malla Mahal to the Nanda Devi temple courtyard.
The program was jointly inaugurated by State Minister Ganga Bisht along with committee officials. In her address, the chief guest Ganga Bisht said that the Nanda Devi Fair is not only a festival of devotion but also a living medium of preserving folk traditions. She emphasized that such competitions connect the younger generation to their roots and provide a platform to carry forward the rich cultural legacy. Mayor Ajay Verma, the special guest, praised the organizers, stating that Almora holds a unique cultural identity in the country, and the Nanda Devi Fair is a prime example of this heritage.
The event was sponsored by Geeta Mehra. Several women’s groups enthusiastically participated, including Senar, Neema Devi Sarson, Maa Nanda Sarvdaliya, Jan Shikshan Mahila Samiti, Maa Bhagwati Falsima, Geeta Bisht Sarson, Bakh Aarti Bisht, Shri Maa Nanda & Sahayata Group, Maa Jagdamba Team, Maa Kokila Mahila Samooh, Golakarnya, Sarvodaya Nagar Team, Maa Durga Shakti Team, Kumaoni Cultural Team, Maa Durga Cultural Group, Maa Barahi Group, Rajrajeshwari Team and Matr Shakti Organization, among others.
The judging panel consisted of Krishna Mohan Singh Bisht, Neha Mungali, and Chandra Prakash. After a tough contest, Maa Bhagwati Falsima secured the first place, Kokila Mahila Samooh won the second place, and Maa Durga Cultural Group bagged the third position. The winners were honored by the committee.
The event was graced by several committee members, including *President Manoj Verma, Secretary Manoj Sanwal, Cultural Coordinator Tara Joshi, Co-coordinator Ravi Goyal, Manager Anoop Sah, Chief Cultural Coordinator & Treasurer Harish Bisht, Chief Coordinator Arjun Bisht Cheema, Organizers Amit Sah Monu, Amarnath Negi, Amarnath Singh Negi, Media In-charge Kapil Malhotra, Councilor Kuldeep Mer, Co-coordinator Councilor Abhishek Joshi, Manoj Bhandari Montu, Dhan Singh Mehta, Jeevan Nath Verma, Rajendra Bisht, Manager Harish Bhandari, Hitesh Verma, Councilor Anju Bisht, Jagat Tiwari, Ashish Bisht, Daya Krishna Pargai, Govind Mehra, Naman Bisht, Pankaj Pargai, Aditya Bisht, Councilor Jyoti Sah, Nirmala Joshi, Devendra Kumar, Ravi Kannaujia, A.K. Sikandar Pawar, Naveen Bisht, Harish Kanwal, along with a large gathering of devotees.
The temple courtyard came alive with traditional folk tunes and women’s spirited dance, turning the entire town into a hub of cultural celebration. Devotees swayed to the beats of Jhoda, clapping and singing along. The vibrant performances kept the fairgrounds buzzing with energy late into the night.
This year’s Jhoda competition emerged as a powerful example of women’s participation and cultural preservation. Organizers said that similar cultural and religious programs will continue in the coming days, immersing the entire town of Almora in a festive spirit.
