Chaiti Mela

The Chaiti Mela also called the Baal Sundari Mela is a famous fair with religious and commercial importance. The fair is organized during the Chaitra Navratre. Devotees visit the fair in large numbers during this time frame to seek the blessings of the Mother Goddess - BaalSundari devi. The Mother Goddess resides year round at her permanent seat, a temple in Pakkakot. However, during Chaitra Navratre the Goddess's idol is taken in a procession to the ancient BaalSundari temple (which is associated with stories from the Mahabharat and Buddha era) on the way from Kashipur city to Kundeshwari, where the fair is organized. There is an interesting story of how the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb helped renovate the Goddess's temple. The Mughal emperor was known for his Muslim orthodox views and when approached for help with the temple renovation he categorically refused. A few days later his dear sister Jahanara fell very sick and despite treatment by the best doctors was not getting any better. She saw the Mother Goddess in her dreams and was asked to tell her brother to help with the renovation, after which she would recover from her illness completely. As soon as Jahanara shared this dream with her brother, he directed workers to renovate the Goddess's temple. The fair is also famous for shops selling animals. especially horses and people would visit the fair for buying and selling of animals and goods from UP, Delhi and other places. Set-up of circus shows, games and shops selling local goods is also a part of this annual fair* The exact dates of the festival depend upon the Hindu Calendar.