# Ambala to host historic 125 year old Vaman Dwadashi fair featuring five sacred palanquins as devotees prepare for celebrations > The historic three-day Vaman Dwadashi Mela will commence on September 21 at the Old Grain Market in Ambala City, featuring grand processions, cultural shows, and VVIP visits. **Type:** article · **Category:** Haryana · **Published:** 2026-09-16 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/haryana/ambala-men-sajega-sava-sau-sala-purana-vaman-dwadashi-mela-pancha-bhavya-hindolas-ke-svagata-men-jutenge-shraddhalu-32683 · **Language:** English **Tags:** Ambala News, Vaman Dwadashi Mela, Haryana Tourism, Religious Fair, Nayab Singh Saini, Sanatan Dharma Sabha The historic city of Ambala in Haryana is renowned not just for its colonial-era architecture and bustling traditional bazaars, but also for its deeply rooted spiritual traditions. At the heart of this cultural legacy is the historic Vaman Dwadashi Mela, a grand festival that has been celebrated continuously for approximately 125 years. This religious gathering holds a unique position in North India, as Ambala and Patiala in Punjab are the only two cities that host this traditional event. This year, the three-day religious extravaganza is scheduled to take place at the Old Grain Market in Ambala City from September 21 to September 23. The defining feature of this festival is the ceremonial procession of five sacred palanquins, known as hindolas, representing Lord Vaman, which will converge from various temples across the city. ## The Holy Procession and Dedication Sharing details about the upcoming event, Sanatan Dharma Sabha Ambala City President Naresh Aggarwal explained the historical importance of the festival. Organized by the Sanatan Dharma Sabha, the fair witnesses the arrival of five sacred hindolas from different temples to the Old Grain Market. Once there, they are carefully placed inside a beautifully decorated pavilion where thousands of devotees can pay their respects. On the opening day, September 21, former minister Aseem Goel will initiate the sacred procession from the Bada Thakurdwara Temple. Following tradition, he will personally carry the first palanquin on his shoulders to mark the beginning of the journey. As the procession winds through the historical marketplaces of Ambala City, it will be joined by four other palanquins coming from other local temples, eventually leading all five to their designated place at the Old Grain Market. ## VVIP Guests and Cultural Evenings Following the installation of the sacred hindolas on the first evening, a grand cultural and religious program is scheduled to take place. Devotees attending the evening event will experience a modern touch as flower petals are showered upon them using advanced drones. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will grace the occasion as the chief guest for the evening. Adding to the cultural vibrancy, popular Punjabi singer Gulab Sidhu is set to deliver a live musical performance. The second day of the festival, September 22, will kick off early in the morning at 10 AM. On this day, Krishan Bedi will attend as the chief guest, and devotees will be treated to a divine musical experience with devotional songs performed by international bhajan singer Gauramani. ## The Grand Finale and Sacred Immersion The final day of the celebrations on September 23 will witness a magnificent return procession. Before the march begins from the Old Grain Market, several prestigious brass bands will offer a ceremonial salute to the sacred hindolas. The grand procession will then travel through the busy streets and prominent bazaars of Ambala City before arriving back at the Thakurdwara Temple. This grand parade will feature spectacular musical performances from Jaipur's famous Vishnu Band and Agra's renowned Sudit Band. Other musical groups, including the Balaji Band, Kamal Band, Great Popular Band, Ravi Band, and Mahadev Band, will also accompany the procession. To enhance the visual appeal, specially designed religious tableaux have been brought in from Meerut. Upon reaching the Thakurdwara Temple, the sacred hindolas of Lord Vaman will be ritually dipped in the historic Navrang Rai pond. After this sacred purification ceremony, each palanquin will be returned to its respective temple for final installation. ## What this means for you The grand organization of this historic fair will have a direct impact on local residents, businesses, and visiting devotees. - **Traffic Diversions:** Massive crowds are expected near the Old Grain Market and major city bazaars for three days. The local administration will implement route diversions, meaning commuters must plan their travel using alternative roads to avoid delays. - **Boost to Local Economy:** The influx of thousands of visitors will significantly increase footfall in the traditional markets. This will directly benefit local shopkeepers, street vendors, and hospitality businesses through increased sales. - **Promotion of Cultural Tourism:** As one of the only two places in North India hosting this unique festival, Ambala will attract cultural enthusiasts from neighboring states. This will help preserve and highlight the region's rare heritage for younger generations. - **Access to Cultural Events:** Local residents will get a unique opportunity to witness performances by nationally and internationally renowned artists for free. The multi-day musical and devotional events will transform the social and spiritual atmosphere of the city. ## Why this happened The Vaman Dwadashi fair in Ambala has been organized for over 125 years as a deeply revered tradition. - **Preservation of Spiritual Legacy:** The Sanatan Dharma Sabha hosts this grand event annually to keep Ambala's unique religious identity alive. This celebration strengthens the spiritual connection of the community across generations. - **The Hindola Tradition:** Carrying beautifully decorated palanquins of Lord Vaman from various temples is an ancient practice. Bringing them to a single pavilion symbolizes collective faith and communal harmony in the region. - **Sacred Immersion Ritual:** Dipping the holy palanquins in the historic Navrang Rai pond is a crucial concluding ritual. This symbolic purification bath marks the successful completion of the three-day festival before the deities return to their respective temples. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. How old is the Vaman Dwadashi fair in Ambala? The fair is approximately 125 years old and is held only in Ambala and Patiala across North India. ### 2. When and where is this fair being organized this year? The fair will be held from September 21 to September 23 at the Old Grain Market in Ambala City. ### 3. What is the primary attraction of the fair? The main attraction is the five sacred palanquins (hindolas) of Lord Vaman, brought from various city temples in a grand procession. ### 4. Which VIP guests will attend the festival? Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will attend as the chief guest on the first day, and Krishan Bedi will be the chief guest on the second day. ### 5. What ritual is performed with the palanquins on the final day? On the last day (September 23), after the grand procession, all five palanquins are ritually dipped in the historic Navrang Rai pond. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._