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Nanda Devi Mela in Almora
Two sister goddesses carved from banana trunks and carried through a hill bazaar
The Nanda Devi Mela is the best-known fair of Kumaon, held at the Nanda Devi temple in Almora's old bazaar around Nanda Ashtami. Next: 4–12 September 2027 (expected). Two sister goddesses, Nanda and Sunanda, are carved fresh from banana trunks, consecrated, and carried through the town on a palanquin, as they have been since the Chand kings ruled here.
The days follow the lunar calendar; the Almora district administration and the mela committee announce the programme in August.
The legend
Almora was the seat of the Chand rajas who ruled Kumaon. In 1688 Raja Udyot Chand built temples here to mark a victory over Garhwal.
One of them, the Parbateshwar temple, was renamed twice and became the Nanda Devi temple, the centre of the fair.
In Uttarakhand Nanda Devi is revered as the daughter of the Himalayas, and in Almora her images are carved afresh each year from banana trunks.
Customs
The banana trees
On Shashthi priests choose the banana trees and tie them with red and white cloth; on Saptami they are cut and the images of Nanda and Sunanda carved.
Fair in the bazaar
On Ashtami the images are consecrated, and Almora's old bazaar fills with a fair, Kumaoni folk songs and the Chholiya dance.
The dola procession
On Navami the dola, the palanquin of Nanda and Sunanda, is carried through the town, and on the last day the images are immersed.
Where to celebrate
Almora
In Almora's old bazaar, two goddesses carved fresh each year from banana trunks are worshipped at the Chand kings' Nanda Devi temple and carried through the town on a palanquin.
Which day to come for what
The fair is short and each day has its own rite, so it is worth knowing what happens when.
Shashthi (sixth lunar day). Priests choose two banana trees and tie them with red and white cloth.
Saptami (seventh). The trees are cut and brought to the temple, and the images of the sister goddesses Nanda and Sunanda are carved from the trunks. Ask before photographing the carvers.
Ashtami (eighth), Nanda Ashtami. The images are consecrated and the temple opens for darshan (the sight of the deity). The old bazaar around the temple fills with the fair: stalls, Kumaoni folk songs and the Chholiya sword dance.
The procession day. The dola, the goddesses' palanquin, is carried through and around the town, and the images are taken for immersion. This is the busiest day of the fair.
The temple programme and the fair are free to watch from the bazaar.
A Chand dynasty festival
Almora was the seat of the Chand rajas who ruled Kumaon, and the fair has been held here since their time. Nanda was the family goddess of the dynasty; her name means prosperity. The temple at the centre of the fair was built in the 17th century by Raja Udyot Chand, after a victory over Garhwal.
The Kumaon division calls this the best-known fair of the region. Almora's is the main one, and the district counts about 25,000 visitors. Nanda Devi fairs are also held at Nainital, about 65 km away, where the festival runs about a week and ends with a great procession, and at Bageshwar, Bhowali, Kot (Dangoli) and in remote Johar villages such as Milam and Martoli.
The goddess is the same one the villages of Chamoli escort to Homkund once in about twelve years on the Nanda Devi Raj Jat.
How the dates are set
The fair is centred on Nanda Ashtami, the eighth lunar day of the bright half of Bhadrapada, which falls between late August and late September. Next: 4–12 September 2027 (expected), with Nanda Ashtami on 8 September 2027 (expected). The district and Kumaon division pages describe a five-day fair; recent fairs have run longer, up to nine days, so the exact programme matters. The Almora district administration and the mela committee announce it in August.
Getting there and where to stay
Almora is a hill town with few hotels, and during the fair the whole town comes to the bazaar.
- Book a month ahead
Book about a month ahead and arrive the day before the day you want to see. One night is enough for the procession; three nights let you see the carving on Saptami and Ashtami as well.
- By train and road
Kathgodam, about 90 km away, is the nearest railhead and is well served from Delhi; trains go on sale 60 days before departure. Pantnagar airport is about 127 km by road.
- Leave slack for the monsoon
The fair falls in the monsoon. FCDO warns that monsoon rains can bring flash floods and landslides with limited warning and cut off towns and villages, so do not plan a tight connection on hill roads.
- Nearby
The Jageshwar temple group is about 35 km away, and Kasar Devi pairs well with the trip.
Etiquette
This is a temple festival in a living bazaar.
- Shoes off — Take your shoes off at the Nanda Devi temple.
- Ask before photographing — Ask before photographing the priests and carvers at work on Saptami.
- Make way for the dola — On the procession day let the palanquin and its bearers pass.
FAQ
When is the Nanda Devi Mela in Almora?
Next: 4–12 September 2027 (expected), centred on Nanda Ashtami (8 September 2027, expected). The mela committee and district administration announce the programme in August.
What is the story behind the Nanda Devi fair?
Nanda, revered in Uttarakhand as the daughter of the Himalayas, was the family goddess of the Chand kings of Kumaon, and the fair has been held at Almora since their rule. Each year her image and that of her sister Sunanda are carved from banana trunks.
Is the Nanda Devi Mela the same as the Nanda Devi Raj Jat?
No. The mela is held every year in Almora and other Kumaon towns. The Raj Jat is a three-week walking pilgrimage in Chamoli district held about once in twelve years.
How do I get to Almora for the fair?
Take a train to Kathgodam, about 90 km away, and continue by road, or fly to Pantnagar, about 127 km. Allow extra time: the fair falls in the monsoon.
Where else is the Nanda Devi Mela held?
At Nainital, which holds its own fair at the same time, and at Bageshwar, Bhowali, Kot (Dangoli) and Johar villages such as Milam and Martoli.
Sources (4)
Facts checked: 21 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.