Navratri in Himalayas: Unforgettable Temple Rituals, Fairs & Folklore
Navratri celebrations in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are in full swing, drawing visitors to temple rituals, folk performances, and fairs. The Himalayan region offers unique experiences during this festival, with key events including the Nanda Devi Festival in Almora, Nainital, and Bageshwar, the Dussehra-Navratri spectacle in Kullu, and the Mansa Devi Festival in Haridwar.
To participate, visitors can travel to Kullu via Bhuntar airport or road from Chandigarh/Manali, reach Naina Devi (Bilaspur) off NH corridors, or access Almora and Nainital through Kathgodam railhead with regular bus and taxi services. In Uttarakhand, the Nanda Devi mela combines religious rituals with folk music, dance, and regional food. The Mansa Devi shrine in Haridwar attracts large congregations with special aartis and thread-tying rituals. Hill temples like Naina Devi and Chamunda in Himachal Pradesh gain special significance during Navratri, with elaborate decorations and continuous aartis. The Kullu Dussehra festival is a week-long event where deities from village shrines assemble around the central Raghunath idol. Most hill temples have extended timings during Navratri, with aartis and special pujas running through the day and sometimes late into the night. Villages in Uttarakhand also stage Devi-centred observances, renewing social ties and religious vows.
Visitors are advised to dress for steep steps and packed crowds, carry water and warm clothing for chilly nights, and consider bringing small offerings to participate in pujas. Navratri in the Himalayas offers a unique blend of religious fervour, cultural performances, and scenic beauty, making it an unforgettable experience.
