FAIRS

• Nagnath (Feb.)
• Sardotsava, Joshimath (Feb.)
• Sardotsava Chamoli, Gopeshwar (Feb. – Mar)
• Shivaratri, Gopeshwar (Feb. – Mar)
• Nanda Devi, Nauti (Mar.)
• Maithan, Maithan (Mar.)
• Bishwat Sankranti Karnprayag/Nandprayag (Apr.)
• Bikhot, Agastyamuni (Apr.)
• Nautha, Adibadri (May.)
• Kaviltha Kaviltha (Jun.)
• Naumi, Jasoli Haryali (Aug.)
• Bhaikal Mela, Bhaikalthal (Aug.)
• NandaDevi, Bedni Bugyal (Sept.)
• NadaDevi, Bedni Bugyal (Sept.)
• Nanda Davi, Lata (Sept.-Oct.)
• Krishna Mela, Joshimath (Nov.)
• Gauchar Mela, Gauchar (Nov.)
• Ansi Mela, Anusuya Devi (Dec.)

SIGHTSEEING

KEDARNATH TEMPLE

An imposing sight, standing in the middle of a wide plateau surrounded by lofty snow covered peaks. The present temple, built in 8^th century A. D. by Adi Shankaracharya, stands adjacent to the site of an earlier temple built by the Pandavas. The inner walls of the assembly hall are decorated with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the exquisitely architectured Kedarnath temple is considered to be more than 1000 years old. Built of extremely large, heavy and evenly cut grey slabs of stones, it evokes wonder as to how these heavy slabs had been handled in the earlier days. The temple has a " Garbha Griha" for worship and a Mandap, apt for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form.

SHANKARACHARYA SAMADHI

The Samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya is located just behind the Kedarnath temple. It is said that after establishing four sacred Dhams in India, he went into his samadhi at an early age of 32 years.