Shri Nanda Devi Mela, Nainital

Nanda Devi Mela, also known as the Nanda Devi Mahotsav, is celebrated during the Nandashtami festival in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, the most popular one being in Nainital. The Nainital Nanda Devi Fair is a cultural carnival celebrated in the month of September. It is celebrated in remembrance of Goddesses Nanda and her sister Sunanda. It is widely believed that in the 17th century, a temple dedicated to Nanda Devi was built by King Dyot Chand, and from then onwards the festival has been celebrated. A huge procession carrying the dola (palanquin) of Nanda Devi and her sister Sunanda goes around the town. The fair is held around the Nanda Devi Temple, attracting visitors from far and wide.*  The exact dates of the festival depend upon the Hindu Calendar.