Nainital fairs and festivals
Nainital fairs and festivals
Nainital fairs and festivals
Nainital fairs and festivals : Nainital, the picturesque hill station tucked away in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand, is often referred to as the ‘Lake District of India’ thanks to its centerpiece – the beautiful Naini Lake and its surrounding peaks. However, there is more to Nainital than just scenic vistas. The district is also home to a vibrant culture seen in its many fairs and festivals that take place through the year.
The numerous fairs and festivals of Nainital provide a glimpse into the region’s living heritage and bring out its composite culture. From major Hindu festivals to local village fairs, these celebrations reflect the beliefs, art, folklore and unique regional practices of the people. The festivals also underline the deep-rooted faith in local deities that has been passed down from one generation to another through captivating myths and legends.
In this article, we take a look at some of the most popular fairs and festivals celebrated with great fervor in Nainital district.
Major Festivals Celebrated in Nainital District
Nanda Ashtami Festival
Nanda Ashtami Festival is one of the most important festivals celebrated widely across Nainital district, especially in Nainital town, Bhowali and the Nainital Lake area.
Key Highlights
- Celebrated in honor of Goddess Nanda Devi, the patron deity of Uttarakhand
- Main festival takes place at the Naina Devi Temple complex on the banks of Naini Lake
- Starts on Ashtami (8th day) during Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September)
- Celebrations last for a week
- Thousands take part in the splendid procession carrying the decorated palanquin (doli) of Nanda Devi
The festival commemorates the goddess in her infant form when she was brought to Nainital in a palanquin by the Raja of Chandpur. It starts with the customary bathing ritual at the crack of dawn at the Naina Devi temple complex by the lake. The temple premises are beautifully decorated with lights.
The highlights are the magnificent processions along Mall Road that culminates at the temple. The Nanda Devi palanquin is carried by locals dressed in traditional attire as they dance to the beats of drums and bugles.
The Nanda Ashtami festivities include cultural programs of folk songs and dances as well as a vibrant fair. The Bhowali town also hosts a big fair as part of the festival.
Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna and is celebrated with tremendous fanfare in Nainital district.
Key Highlights
- Celebrated on Ashtami (8th day) of dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September)
- Dahi Handi ritual is enacted by youth groups across Nainital, Haldwani, Bhimtal, Bhowali etc.
- Cultural events, plays and competitions held
- Temples decorated with lights and flowers
- Special Krishna bhajans and aartis performed
In Nainital town, the festival goes on for almost a week. Apart from the Dahi Handi ceremony, a number of cultural events including plays, dances, competitions and devotional singing performances are held at different places. The temples are beautifully decorated and special aartis offered to idols of infant Krishna. The Haldwani town also hosts vibrant Janmashtami celebrations every year.
Prominent Local Festivals
In addition to the major Hindu festivals, there are also several local festivals and village fairs that are intrinsic parts of Nainital’s cultural fabric. These festivals have their roots in mythology, harvest seasons as well as religious ceremonies and underline the strong ties of the agrarian communities to local deities, customs and traditions.
Harela
Harela is a significant festival celebrated widely across Kumaon to welcome the monsoon season. In Nainital district, lively Harela festivities are held at Bhimtal town located barely 20 km from Nainital.
Key Highlights
- Coincides with the onset of Sawan (monsoon) season in mid-July
- Celebrations last for over a week
- Cultural programs, music and folk dance performances held
- People prepare traditional Harela food dishes and exchange them with families and friends
- Ceremonial Harela tree planting carried out
The festival begins on Harela Day with prayers and ceremonial bathing rituals at the Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple located on the banks of Bhimtal Lake. Locals turn out in colorful attire and take out a procession along the lakefront carrying the Harela fruit laden branch.
The week-long celebrations feature a variety of cultural events showcasing Kumaoni folk songs, music and dances including the Chanchari, Bhotiya and Jagar dances. A vibrant fair is also held where vendors sell traditional Kumaoni food, handicraft items as well as agricultural produce.
Bat Savitri
Bat Savitri is a unique festival celebrated widely by married women across Uttarakhand as well as in parts of Uttar Pradesh. In Nainital district, the festival is observed largely in Nainital town.
Key Highlights
- Celebrated on Amavasya (new moon night) in Jyeshtha month (May-June)
- Married women observe a strict fast and perform Savitri-Satyavan puja
- Women receive gifts from their maternal homes (mayka)
- Cultural programs held at various places
As per legend, Savitri tricked Yama, the god of death, into restoring her dead husband Satyavan’s life. On Bat Savitri, married women emulate Savitri’s devotion by observing a strict fast. They also listen to the Bat Savitri legend and perform the Savitri puja for the long life and well-being of their husbands.
In Uttarakhand, it is customary for the woman’s brother to visit her on Bat Savitri bringing gifts from her maternal home. The festival is celebrated as a community affair in Nainital town with cultural events and fairs.
Prominent Village Fairs
Apart from the religious festivals, numerous local village fairs are also hosted in Nainital district through the year. These fairs underline the composite culture of the region bringing together diverse communities to celebrate local myths, deities as well as the harvest season.
Syalde Bikhauti Fair
The annual Syalde Bikhauti village fair is held at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges near the town of Dwarahat in Almora district. The popular fair attracts visitors from Nainital, Almora and nearby districts.
Key Highlights
- Celebrated over two days on Bikhauti Amavasya (new moon) in month of Kartik (October-November)
- Commemorates ancient legend about two local deities – Golu Devta and his sister Syalde Devi
- Witnessed by over 50,000 people
- Vibrant market selling traditional wares, food items
- Cultural performances, magic shows
- Evening puja and havans offered to deities
As per folklore, Syalde Devi had taken the form of a bat to spy on demons troubling the locals. When the demons discovered her plan, they cursed her and turned her to stone. Her brother, Golu Devta killed the demons and brought his sister back to life. The fair commemorates this legend. The festivities begin with the ceremonial arrival of the deities to the accompaniment of traditional musical instruments. The Bikhauti puja is performed with great fanfare.
Somnath Fair
The Somnath Fair is celebrated annually with much enthusiasm at the ancient Somnath Temple located at a hill top in Malla Johar village near Almora. People from Nainital and nearby towns attend the popular fair.
Key Highlights
- Celebrated over 3 days around the full moon of Baisakh (April-May)
- Commemorates the legend of Someshwar Mahadev (Shiva) who rescued a boy named Som from the captivity of a demon
- Witnessed by over 25,000 people
- Features a vibrant market selling woolen clothes, metalware, food items etc.
- Evening puja and havans offered amidst chanting of Vedic hymns
As per local legend, Someshwar Mahadev had answered the prayers of Som’s mother and rescued her son from the clutches of the demons. There is a Someshwar Mahadev temple complex nestled amidst dense deodar forests that attracts devotees from all over. During the fair, pilgrims take a holy dip in the Somkund lake near the shrine. The revered palanquin procession of Someshwar Mahadev takes place with much fanfare accompanied by folk music and dances.
Conclusion to Nainital fairs and festivals
Nainital fairs and festivals : The numerous fairs and festivals celebrated in Nainital district highlight the cultural richness and diversity of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. These celebrations reflect the composite way of life of the agrarian communities living in harmony with nature. The age-old stories of the region’s folk deities continue to capture the imagination of locals and provide a fascinating glimpse into Nainital’s heritage. From major Hindu festivals to monsoon welcome rituals to village harvest fairs – these events underline the deep-rooted faith and unique regional practices that are intrinsic to the identity of people. The festivals reaffirm traditions and customs passed down from one generation to another and play a key role in preserving the vibrant living culture of Nainital.
