Nanda Devi Mela Nainital: Dates, Rituals & Visiting Tips
Each September the Kumaon hills celebrate the goddess Nanda Devi. In Nainital the fair is a good reason to see the town at its most local.
21 September 2026 · 2 min read · Best in Sep
Nainital is usually pictured as a lake and a mall road full of visitors. In September, the Nanda Devi Mela shows a more local side of the town.
What it is
Nanda Devi is the goddess closely tied to Kumaon and Garhwal, and the mountain of the same name is named after her. The fair, held around the festival of Nandashtami in the month of Bhadrapad, features a temple procession, folk music and a busy market. Exact dates follow the Hindu calendar and change each year.
The bigger pilgrimage
The Nanda Devi Raj Jat is a long Himalayan pilgrimage held roughly once every twelve years. It is one of the longest and most demanding pilgrim routes in the region, covering many days on foot. Because it is rare, always check the official announcement for its dates.
Visiting the fair
- Go in the evening, when the procession and stalls are busiest
- Dress warmly, since Nainital cools quickly after dark
- Try local Kumaoni snacks at the stalls
- Be respectful around the temple and processions
September is also the season when the rains ease and the hills turn clear and green.
Festival details vary each year, so check with local authorities or hosts before planning around a specific date.
