Nanda Devi is being worshipped since ancient times. Nanda Devi is known to be one of the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga. Bhadrapad Krishna Paksha Navmi and Shukla Paksha Navmi are known as Nanda. This year, Nandanvami Goddess Durga is worshipped during three different periods in an year. Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha Navmi is celebrated as Maha Nandanvami. A fast is kept on Ashtamiand Lord Shiva and Goddess Nanda are worshipped on Navmi. A jagran is organized and food is offered to the Lords. Goddess Chandika is also worshipped on this day.

Nandanvami Puranic Importance

The magnificence of Nanda Devi has been explained in religious texts and folk legends. She has also been talked about in Puranas. Goddess Nanda Devi is considered to be one of the six incarnations of Goddess Bhagvati. According to Vishnu Purana, there were nine incarnations of Goddess Durga including Mahalaxmi, Harsiddhi, Kshemkari, Shivdooti, Mahatunda, Bhramari, Chandramandala, Revati and Nanda. According to Shiva Purana, Nanda Devi resides in the Himalayas. Nanda Devi is considered to be beautiful as well as powerful.

Nandanvami Festival

Nanda Devi is primarily worshipped on Navmi. A lot of fairs are organized on this day in a lot of different places. Kot ki Mai fair and Nanda Devi fair in Nainital are considered to be very important. On the day of Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha Ashtami, an annual fair is organized in Nanda Devi temple in Almora. This fair is extremely crowded and filled with a lot of zeal and excitement.

Nandanvami Worship

Nandanvami worship is carried out on Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha Navmi. Nanda Devi is considered to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. A lot of legends are associated with Nanda Devi. Nanda Devi is worshipped and praised on this day. During this period, a devote asks for happiness, success and prosperity. A jagran and katha are organized to worship Nanda Devi. The fast begins on Shukla Paksha Saptami. It goes on till the day of Navmi. Nanda Devi should be worshipped with flowers on Ashtami. A jagran should be organized on Ashtami and young girls should be worshipped and fed. Prasad should be eaten and the fast is ended on Navmi.

Nandanvasi Festival Importance

Nanda Devi is considered to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. According to other beliefs, she was one of the seven daughters of Daksha Prajapati. A lot of legends are famous about Nanda Devi. According to one such legend, Nanda Devi was a daughter of Nanda Maharaj. Nanda Devi was born before Lord Krishna’s birth. She escaped from Kansa’s arms and reached Nagadhiraj Himalaya and his wife, Maina. According to another story, Nanda Devi was born to Saint Himvant and his wife, Maina.