One of the most important festivals in the region, Nanda Devi Mela takes place every September and sees a celebration of the local life through folk songs, dances and a big market with handmade products. It is held at various places such as Almora, Nainital, Bageshwar, Bhowali, and Kot and the far-flung villages of Johar. It is said that this festival has been celebrated since the rule of the Chand kings (13th to 18th centuries), who worshipped Nanda Devi as their family goddess. The temple of the goddess was built by king Dyot Chand in Almora in the 17th century and since then the festival has been organised to welcome the goddess of Kumaon, who is believed to bestow economic and cultural prosperity. During the festival, a procession is carried out in which people carry dola (palanquin) of the goddess and her sister, Sunanda. It is a lively and colourful festival that warrants a visit.