| CHANDRABANDNI
FAIR
This fair has a legendary back ground.
Gautam Rishi used to bathe in the Holy Ganga, everymorning.For him, this
had become part of his everyday life. Once, the king of the Gods, Indra,
asked Surya (the Sun) who was the most beautiful woman on Earth. |
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The Sun parried the question and said
“ Most people are busy at their work when I shine during the day and it
is very difficult for me to judge who is ugly and who is beautiful”. Indra
asked the same question of Chandradev ( the Moon God ) who said that Ahilya,
the wife of Gautam Rishi, residing at the confluence of the Yamuna and
Tamsa was the most beautiful woman on Earth. Hearing this, Indra was overtaken
by lust and made up his mind to aquire Ahilya by hook or by crook.
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Unbecoming of the King of the Gods
as his intentions were, Indra entered the Ashram (hermitage) of Gautam
at midnight and mimicked the call of a cock. Unaware of
the wicked designs of Indra, Rishi Gautam set out to bathe in the
Ganga as usual, believing it to be dawn.
Finding Ahilya alone at home, as
soon as the sage left, Indra knocked on the door and impersonating
Gautam, tried to bluff her. Ahilya was a pious hearted lady.She sensed
the evil designs of Indra and cursed him, turning him into a leper with
a thousand eyes. |
Meanwhile, Gautam reached the Ganga
and entered the holy water for a bath. The river Goddess was pleased with
the punctuality and devotion of Gautam. She asked him to return home immediately
as his wife was in trouble. The Rishi turned back in a hurry, leaving behind
his Kamandal (sacred pot). Later, the Goddess Ganga herself returned the
Kamandal, filling it with holy water, which was set up in the Ashram in
the form of a sarovar (tank). She also granted a boon that the tank’s water
would be equal in holiness to the actual Gangajal. Those who took a holy
dip in the tank would earn the same blessing as one who has had a holy
dip in the Ganga. Since then, this place, which is about 8 kms. from Dehradun
on the Dehradun-Saharanpur Road, has become a holy bathing place of religious
importance. Thousands of devotees visit the spot in April and October,
when a big fair takes place here.
| SURKHANDA
DEVI FAIR
The Surkhanda Devi Fair is
held on the Ganga Dussehra or Jyesth Navami day at the Surkhanda Devi temple,
locat-
ed at a distance of 33 kms.
from Mussoorie, the famous hill
station in Dehradun District. |
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| The temple is dedicated
to the Goddess Durga and is an important centre of pilgrimage. It can be
reached by trekking about 2 kms., from Kaddukhal via
Dhanolti on the road to Chamba. The worship of the Goddess is the
main attraction of this fair. Besides folk music and dance,
traditional handicrafts are also on display. |
KUNJAPURI
FAIR
This fair is held in October on Jyestha
Dashmi, every year, during the Navratras at Narendra Nagar. Over fifty
thousand people gather here to participate in various activities. Display
of skill and strength by the youth, handicrafts and handmade articles are
the main attractions of this fair.
Lakhwar
Mela
This village fair is held during
Sept.- Oct. and is very popular in the area neighbouring Chakrata, 78 kms.
from Mussoorie.
The fair is a manifestation of the
customs and traditions of the Garhwalis. Activities include cultural programmes
and sport competitions.
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