Amidst the spectacular views of the Himalayas, there is a small hamlet named Sangrali in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. The village is known for the famous Kandaar devta. Kandaar devta is revered and celebrated for his miracles. Being invited to the Mela (village fair), I felt privileged and blessed to witness this auspicious Mela.
Based on the history and forefathers of the village, a few eons ago, there was a monarchy of a great king. One day, a farmer was blessed with a magnificent statue of Ashtadhatu while plowing a field near Uttarkashi town. Considering the sacredness of the idol, the farmer turned it over to the king. The king was pleased by the discovery of the sculpture. He then ordered the figure to be moved to the Parashuram temple. Recognizing the statue’s uniqueness, the priest of Parshuram temple proposed locating it atop Varunavat mountain, distant from the city.
Devotees visiting the temple celebrate the mystics of Kandaar Devta by carrying the doli on their shoulders. It is believed Kandaar devta guides the community in all decisions which concern the local community, health, and finalizing auspicious dates. Whenever a question is put forth to the diety, Kandaar devta communicates his decision through the doli by vigorously moving and shaking, resulting in lines drawn on the ground with the pointed tip. The priests and elders of the village later interpret these lines. Devotees consider the Kandaar Devta temple as a court. Here the verdict is pronounced through the means of the doli of the Kandaar deity.
Shri Kandar Devta, the revealer of the past, present, and future, is revered as the protector of Sangrali, Pata, Gangori, Bagyal, Laksheshwar, Barahat (Uttarkashi), and other nearby villages. He is said to be a manifestation of Shiva. Due to the heavenly form of the Shri Kandaar devta, the traditions have lived for eons and are still alive in the village of Sangrali atop Varunavat mountain.
The men, women and the kids dress in colorful clothes. There is an astute interest and energy among the villagers. The Kandaar devta temple is at the other end of the village. Kids surround the delicious food stalls selling hot jalebis and various fries as they choke the narrow pathways leading to the temple. The women admire each other’s dresses and new designs. Young men take turns to perform seva (selfless service) at the temple.
The Mela begins with the sound of Nagada, Dholak, and Sringa. Slowly the Kandaar devta is taken out on the doli from his sanctum to the open area outside the temple. The red and yellow sheets of the doli with its base and gopura made of silver decorate the top. The doli is sturdy and made of bamboo logs.
One after the other, young and old, take turns to lift the doli and dance to the beats of the Nagada, Dholak, and Sringa. It is a hair-raising experience even to witness. The children take turns to fan the doli with Chamara. The women get together on the premises to view the procession.
https://youtube.com/shorts/0XPhfv6lPRY – Click to enjoy the mela and the dance
Kandaar devta temple in Sangrali village is nearby to the main town of Uttarkashi and connects well by road. Uttarkashi is a marginal district located 160 kilometers from Rishikesh and 140 kilometers from Dehradun towards Gangotri.