Kainchi Dham Fair: A grand confluence of faith at Kainchi Dham, a massive crowd of devotees gathered on its 61st foundation day
Kainchi Dham Fair: The world-famous Kainchi Dham, located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, was today steeped in the colors of deep faith, devotion, and reverence. The occasion was the 61st foundation day of Neem Karoli Baba’s Kainchi Dham. As every year, millions of devotees from India and abroad arrived to seek Baba’s blessings at the Kainchi fair held on June 15th. From early morning, a huge crowd of devotees was seen in the temple premises and surrounding areas. Despite the rain showers, there was no decrease in the enthusiasm and faith of the devotees.
Religious and Spiritual Significance of Kainchi Dham
Kainchi Dham is not just a temple but a center of faith for millions of devotees. Neem Karoli Baba is considered a great devotee of Lord Hanuman, and according to many beliefs, he is also considered an incarnation of Lord Hanuman in Kali Yuga. Stories of Baba’s grace and miracles have spread not only in India but also abroad. This is why this shrine has gained global fame in the past few years, and a large number of foreign devotees also visit here.
Special Events on Foundation Day
On the occasion of the 61st foundation day, the temple committee organized special religious rituals. Around five o’clock in the morning, offerings were formally made to Baba Neem Karoli Maharaj. After this, the distribution of Malpua prasad (sweet offering) began according to tradition. Devotees stood in queues for hours to receive the prasad, but the experience of seeing Baba dispelled all their fatigue.
Record Crowd of Devotees
This year’s Kainchi fair is considered historic. By Friday evening, a day before the fair, more than ten thousand devotees had already reached Kainchi Dham. By Saturday night, this number had increased to more than twenty thousand. Devotees recited the Hanuman Chalisa and participated in devotional singing throughout the night in the temple premises. The entire area resonated with chants of “Jai Baba Neem Karoli.”
Commendable Arrangements for Food and Other Facilities
The temple committee had made special arrangements for food, water, and other essential facilities for the devotees. According to an estimate, more than ten thousand devotees were provided with free meals. The volunteers and the administrative team played a crucial role in managing the crowd and ensuring the safe darshan (viewing) of the deity for the devotees.
Long Queues for Darshan
Long queues for darshan began forming at Kainchi Dham from around 4:45 AM on the morning of the foundation day. It is reported that the queue stretched for approximately four kilometers. Devotees from Bhawali, Almora, Haldwani, and surrounding areas patiently waited their turn, chanting slogans in praise of Baba. After hours of waiting, when they finally had darshan of Baba, their faces reflected immense peace and contentment.
Faith Unwavering Even in the Rain
Light to moderate rain continued throughout the foundation day celebrations, but it did not dampen the spirits of the devotees. Many devotees, drenched in the rain, walked barefoot to the temple and bowed their heads at Baba’s feet. This scene demonstrates the profound and unwavering faith people have in Neem Karoli Baba.
Biography of Neem Karoli Baba
Neem Karoli Baba is believed to have been born around 1900 in the Akbarpur region of Uttar Pradesh. His childhood name was Lakshman Narayan Sharma. He belonged to a prosperous Brahmin family, but he renounced worldly pleasures and embraced the path of asceticism. Baba was also known by names such as Lakshman Das, Tikonia Wale Baba, and Talaiya Baba. He was a devout follower of Hanuman (Bajrangbali), and his entire life was dedicated to service, devotion, and spiritual practice.
Even today, Neem Karoli Baba’s followers believe that impossible tasks become possible through his grace. This grand celebration of the 61st foundation day at Kainchi Dham is a living testament to this unwavering faith and devotion.