By Sunil Sonker
Mussoorie, 1 May: The Nag Devta Temple is a centre of local faith and tradition in Tuneta Village, near Mussoorie. A grand fair is organised in this temple every year. This year, under a special event at the fair, the idols of Shiv Parivar (Lord Shiva, Mother Parvati, Ganesh and Kartikeya) were also established. This has increased the religious importance of the temple even more.
The people of Tuneta welcomed Municipal Chairperson Meera Saklani and demanded the development of the village along with other places falling in the Municipal area. They asked for the construction of the Khatta Pani Road. Chairperson Meera Saklani assured the villagers that the area would be developed from the tourism point of view and MDDA would jointly reconstruct the Khatta Paani Road, for which an action plan is being prepared.
Village head Govind Raunchela, Sunil Raunchela and local residents said that the establishment of the Nag Devta Temple is associated with a mysterious and miraculous event. Years ago, a cowshed owner of the village noticed that the milk of his cows was decreasing due to some reason. When he paid attention, he found that Naag (snakes) came and drank milk from the udders of the cows, but did not harm them. The villagers considered this mysterious event as a divine sign and installed the idol of Nag Devta at that place. Later, it was considered the Kuldevta of the village and a temple was built. With time, this place became a major centre of faith and belief. The fair begins with the Doli Yatra of the deity, in which the palanquin of the Nag Devta travels around the village accompanied by drums and traditional folk music. Devotees offer flowers on the way and seek blessings. A huge feast is organised by the temple committee, in which the villagers and devotees from outside take prasad. He said that the crowd of devotees not only comes from Mussoorie and nearby villages, but also from far-flung areas to participate in this fair. It is believed that the wishes made to the Nag Devta with a true heart are definitely fulfilled. Especially, people who wish for birth of children, happiness, health and rain, come here. He said that this fair is not only a religious event but is also an event that keeps the cultural heritage of the village alive. Folk songs, dances, traditional costumes and local food are on display. This event also serves to connect the new generation to its roots.
On this occasion, Bharat Singh Chauhan, Municipal Councillor Babita Malla, Ruchita Gupta, Pratap Raunchela, Surendra Rawat, Naresh Pratap Malla, Virendra Rana, Jaipal Caravan, Nisha Raunchela, Area Panchayat Member Poonam Bhankwan, Rita Raunchela, etc., were among those present.
