Nainital : The unexplored beauty

NAINITAL

One of the most famous weekend getaways from Delhi is the small resort town of Nainital. It enjoys a moderate climate throughout the year. When the European businessman P. Barron discovered it, he transformed it to a summer destination for his fellow Englishmen. Much f its development took place in the Edwardian and Victorian ages. It is located in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas. It is popularly referred to as the Lake District of India as it is also surrounded by attractions like Bhimtal and Sat Tal, which offer clean air and excellent trekking tracks.

Some of the fables narrate that the waters originate from the Manasarover lake in Tibet. According to popular legend, parts of Sati’s charred body fell on Earth when Lord Shiva was carrying her. These were known as Shakti Peeths or religious sites. The Naini Lake is one of them and is considered to be the part where her eyes (nain) fell and thus came to be known as Nainital. The goddess Shakti is worshiped at the Naina Devi Temple on the north shore of this lake. This temple was built back in the 15th century by the Kushana dynasty. Boating in the Naini Lake in the early hours of the day is a mandatory activity.

Nainital is also known for the Naini or China peak with a height of 2611 metres. Wildlife is also carefully restored here and can be found in the Nainital Zoo. It is famous as the home to rare snow leopards and Himalayan bears. The new initiative includes the introduction of an Eco Cave Garden for children to learn about the ecosphere.

Tourists, primarily for the purpose of the beautiful sunset views, also visit another temple known as the Hanumangarhi temple. It is best to explore the town on foot to take in the fresh air.

The locals of Nainital follow the traditional lifestyle of Kumaoni culture. Due to the deep mythological roots the locals have a tendency of leading very simple yet religious lives. All festivals are celebrated with full customs and rituals. Due to superstitious beliefs, they always apply a dot of black kohl on their forehead. Kumaonis are famous for the traditional style of painting during festivities called Aipan. The women prefer wearing a garment known as pichora and lehenga. Pichora is prepared from Rangwali which is a traditional dyeing art.

Tourism serves as one of the major sources of income for this quaint town, apart from agriculture. A number of fests or melas are conducted all round the year, which are related to their traditional beliefs and local practices. Among them is the famous Nanda Devi fair in honour of worshipping goddesses Nandadevi and Sunandadevi.

Gaping at the snow peaked mountains in the Himalayas and the Naini Lake, one commends on how Nainital is truly the perfect fusion of modernity blended with superstitious traditions stemming from age-old beliefs.