Uttarakhand 167
Nanda Devi
Nanda is a favourite goddess in Kumaon, and her birthday,
the Nandashtami, in the month of Bhado (August-September)
is an occasion of great rejoicing. There is a large fair and
concourse of people at Almora, when a young buffalo is sacri-
ficed in the precincts of the goddess's temple. The first blow
is struck with a kukhri, a short, broad, and heavy sword, by the
descendant of the Almora Rajas, and then the animal is despatched
as a offering. This fair takes place in different parts of Almora
with great fanfare and rejoicing. If one can adjust his trip to
either Nainital or Almora, he can certainly enjoy the best of
Kumaon and its fairs and festivals.
The Gauchar Mela
In Garhwal, the biggest fair is Gauchar which takes place in
the month of November. Gauchar is on the Rishikesh-Badri-
nath road in Chamoli district. A ground is available there, thus
providing a large area for holding the fair.
People from different parts of Garhwal and even Kumaon
gather here to sell their wares and display their achievements in
the field of arts and crafts. I had an opportunity of actively
associating in this fair successively for three years. The colourful
gathering of men and women from different walks, of life is really
a scene to remember. Here army, police, civilian administration
and locals actively join hands. One can see perfect fusion of all
departments.
Cultural programmes and various other entertainments also
take place at the fair ground.
The Hurak and Hurkiyani—the dancing tune
An unforgettable feature of Himalayan phenomenon is the
unending beat of Hurak (a small drum) and the untiring rhythmic
movement of the feets of Hurkiyani who aids lustre to every
celebration, fair and festival.
DAM...DAM...DIMA...DIMA...DAM...DA
I itad the first chance of listening to a Hurkiyani probably at
the age of six, maybe seven. She was dancing and singing a
song which I came to know, years after, as Titurena—flie love