Chandrabadni
Fair:
This fair has a legendary background. Gautam Rishi used to
go for a sacred bath in the Ganga every morning. For him, this had become
part of his everyday life.
Once, the king of Gods - Indra asked
Surya (Sun) as to who was the most beautiful woman on the earth. The Sun
parried the question and said "Most of people are busy in their work
when I shine during the day and it is very difficult for me to judge as to
who is ugly and who is beautiful". Indra asked the same question to
Chandradev (Moon God) who said that Ahilya, the wife of Gautam Rishi
residing at the confluence of Yamuna and Tamsa was the most beautiful
woman on the earth. Hearing this, Indra was overtaken by evil and lust and
made uprhis mind to aquire Ahilya by hook or crook.
Unbecoming
of the king of Gods as he was, 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 for bathing in Ganga
as usual, mistaking as the dawn. Finding Ahilya alone at home as soon as
the sage left, Indra knocked the door and impersonating as Gautam, tried
to bluff her. Ahilya was a pious hearted lady. She sensed the evil designs
of Indra and cursed him to be a leper with a thousand eyes.
Meanwhile,
Gautam reached Ganga and entered the holy water for 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 his Kamandal ( sacred pot) there.
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 gave a boon that the tank's water will be equal in
holiness to the actual Gangajal and those who have a holy dip in
the tank will earn the same blessing as one who has a holy dip in the
Ganga. Since then, this place, which is about 8 kms. on
Dehradun-Saharanpur Road, is 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:
Surkhanda
Devi Fair is held on dedicated to Goddess Durga and is an important
pilgrimage centre. It can be reached by trekking about 2 kms. from
Kaddukhal via Dhanoiti on the road to Chamba. The worship the Ganga
Dussehra day at Surkhanda Devi temple, located at a distance of 33 kms.
From of the Goddess is the main attraction of this fair. Besides folk
music and dance, the traditional Mussoorie. The temple is handicrafts are
also on display.
Kunjapuri Fair:
This fair is held
in October every year during 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
main attractions of this fair.
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