Nanda Devi is said to have been the Goddess revered by the kings of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. She is believed to be the destroyer of evil. Fairs are held at Ranikhet, Almora and Nainital in honour of Nanda Devi and thousand of people participate.
The most popular fair that is organized in Almora is on the Ashtami of Bhadra Shukla. Two images of Nanda and Sunanda are made in a banana trunk. The fair starts on Nag Panchami according to the Calendar, on Sasthi the Priests mark Kadli trees and then a red and white cloth is tied around it, on the Saptami midst the sound of different instruments they are cut, prior to which a goat is slaughtered for the Bali (sacrifice).
On Ashtami the two idols are revered and the Bali is performed before them, on Navmi a procession is taken out in and around Almora. The day is marked with number of cultural activities taking place in the district. Fair are organized, and the people enjoy the folk dances and songs.
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